Premier League clubs discuss options but left in limbo

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Premier League clubs discuss options but left in limbo

By Simon Evans

 

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Burnley v AFC Bournemouth - Turf Moor, Burnley, Britain - February 22, 2020 General view of the Premier League logo on a match ball before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble

 

MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) - Premier League clubs on Friday discussed possible models for finishing the current season but did not consider a specific date for play to resume while U.K. government lockdown restrictions remain in place.

 

Representatives of the 20 teams took part in a conference call to look at various possible options for restarting the season and remain committed to completing the fixtures rather than voiding the season.

 

But after the government announced on Thursday that the lockdown would remain in place for at least another three weeks, all options remain hypothetical.

 

A Premier League spokesperson said: "Today's Shareholders' Meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.

 

"In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios.

 

"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.

 

"The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the League will only restart when medical guidance allows."

 

There was no discussion during the meeting of the possible complications that could be caused by the season running beyond June 30 -- when some player and manager contracts run out.

 

World soccer's governing body FIFA has stated that contracts should be adjusted to reflect the actual end of the season. However, that issue could be open to challenge under English law.

 

The Football League (EFL), which represents the three divisions below the Premier League, has said that teams should not return to training before May 16 "at the earliest".

 

Should teams be allowed to train it is expected they would need two-to-three weeks to get prepared for the return to action, making the earliest possible return in June.

 

But with the ban on mass public gatherings likely to be one of the last restrictions to be removed, rescheduled games could well be held behind closed doors.

 

(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-04-18

 

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[fishtank]

Just cancel it and start again next season whenever that will be.

Money, money, money.

Edited April 17, 2020 by fishtank

[Phuketshrew]

2 hours ago, fishtank said:

Just cancel it and start again next season whenever that will be

Are you from Manchester?

[wilai]

12 minutes ago, Phuketshrew said:

Are you from Manchester?

Think he has a fondness for Baroness Brady and her boys....hence the wish to cancel as it will save the Hammers from possible relegation????

[Emdog]

Liverpool should get the trophy. No one was going to catch them

If they don't get it, will be proof God hates that team

[CraigInBangkok]

2 minutes ago, Emdog said:

Liverpool should get the trophy. No one was going to catch them

If they don't get it, will be proof God hates that team

You cant give trophies away willy nilly. What happens with Champions League, promotions and relegations ? The season either has to be completed or nulled. 

[blazes]

As an Arsenal supporter (yes, I confess), I really couldn't give a monkey's who or what 'wins'  the league (as long as it's not the super-capitalist Man Citeh).

 

Frankly, I am bored by the EPL and want only to see all the leagues BELOW the FL continue in business.  It's only in the lower leagues that the game as most of us remember it from our childhoods  faintly resembles what we were brought up on...Ok a lot of kick and run, BUT the clubs had some kind of close connection to their community.

What kind of connection can the average French eleven put out by Wenger over the years have with the citizens of North London......

[Thingamabob]

The season must be finished no matter when that may be.

[bartender100]

I doubt there won't be much football till 2021