THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the year 2020 has been characterised by irregular European football schedules, cancellations and new rules. For the fans it has meant their not being able to support their favourite teams in person at stadiums across Europe.
Not forgetting that in the German Bundesliga, Bayern Munich emerged domestic champions and as well as dominating Europe in the UEFA champions league (UCL).
The new league season in Germany begins on 18 September and it maintains its 18-club format. It remains to be seen if Bayern would continue their dominance in the league.
In England, Liverpool came off winning the 2018/19 UCL title to clinch the English premier league title. The community shield which usually heralds the start of the season was played on 31 August and saw Football Association cup winners Arsenal edging out the league champions Liverpool 5-4 via penalty after playing out a one all draw in full time.
The new league season begins in England on 12 September.
With the new purchases by club sides in England it seems like fans have a lot to look forward to in the new season.
While Real Madrid dramatically emerged league title winners after a run of losses to league rival Barcelona who initially looked like favourites to win the La Liga title at some point. The Spanish premier league looked like they might be losing the presence of another world best player in Lionel Messi when he surprisingly announced his intention to leave Barcelona.
However, it seems compromise has been reached and the player will stay at least to the end of his final contractual season.
The league season in Spain will begin on 11 September and fans no doubt would be looking forward to it.
Juventus emerged champions of the Italian Serie A and retained the domestic league title. Though they had another disappointing run in the UCL and did not get much out of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The re-emergence of both Milan teams promises exciting fixtures to look forward to in the new season, which begins 19 September.
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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were crowned champions of the French Ligue 1 after the cancellation of the remaining fixtures because of the pandemic.
PSG were also UCL’s finalists but were edged out by Bayern Munich in the grande final of the competition.
The Ligue 1 looks set to begin on 12 September barring any developments due to current concerns about the resurgence of the pandemic.
As of now, no team is looking like they can give PSG a run given their purchase of players.
Having looked briefly at arguably the top 5 leagues in Europe, no doubt, football fans have interesting fixtures to look forward to as the new 2020/21 season begins later in the month.
Speaking about the fans, their return to stadiums across Europe is getting closer, as UEFA revealed that the Super Cup fixture between UCL winners Bayern Munich and Europa league champions Sevilla would be used as a test to welcome fans back to stadiums. The Super Cup which will be held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on 24 September will be the first fixture to feature football spectators.
Yemi Babalola
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