MINSK, 26 March (BelTA) - In light of the developing global coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, KHL has decided to cancel the remainder of the 2019-20 season, BelTA learned from the official website of the Kontinental Hockey League.
The decision was taken after consultations with all the stakeholders and was driven by the paramount importance of the health and safety of the all those involved in the League and its fans.
“KHL seriously considered a variety of options to complete the 2019-20 season, from playing out the championship within the period up to 30 April 2020 to continuing it in June and July. However, at this very moment, the implementation of these scenarios seems unlikely. Several clubs have been forced to refuse from further participation in the playoffs. In addition, there would be difficulties with the return of foreign players to Russia. All this would have deprived the tournament of its sports appeal. Continuing the playoffs without the teams that won the right to compete for the Gagarin Cup would have been a violation of the sporting principle,” the message reads.
The League has decided that the continuation of the championship in summer would cause a great disruption to the 2020-21 season.
A decision regarding the final League standings will be made at an upcoming KHL Board of Directors meeting. They will also make all necessary decisions relating to the 2020-21 championship. All the decisions will be communicated as soon as possible.
