Geneva, SWITZERLAND, September 12 (AFP) - UEFA Cup and Champions League matches postponed this week will be played on September 20 and October 10, a spokesman for European football's governing body said on Thursday.
"We're confirming the rescheduling of UEFA Cup matches for September 20 and Champions League games for October 10," UEFA spokesman Mike Lee said.
UEFA on Wednesday took the unprecedented step of postponing all European club championship matches scheduled this week as a mark of respect for the
victims of the attacks in the United States.
Eight Champions League games due to be played on Wednesday involving big name clubs such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona were
cancelled, although another eight matches went ahead as planned on Tuesday.
Tuesday's results will stand, UEFA indicated.
All 43 UEFA Cup first round games originally due to be played today will kick off next Thursday.
Clubs were consulted and informed of the final decision on re-scheduling on Wednesday but the changes, unexpected only two days ago, are likely to lead to
some hasty re-jigging of busy national football championships in Europe.
Some associations warned of clashes with national club matches already scheduled on or near to the new Champions League and UEFA Cup dates, Lee said,
without giving further details.
"People were very positive and understand the reasons why we have taken the steps that we have," Lee added.
"After examining the international and club match calendar across Europe we believe that we have found the best possible solution for the re-scheduling of these
matches," Lee said in a written statement.
"We have written to the national associations, leagues and clubs concerned and would ask for their full cooperation in the re-scheduling so that the matches may
go ahead," the statement continued.
"Our thanks and understanding go to all those whose matches and travels have been disrupted by recent events," Lee said.
It was the first time in UEFA's 46-year history that all matches had been cancelled.
The postponment was greeted with widespread approval from the clubs involved in the two competitions.
