17 minutes ago, Gol15 said:

Wimbledon is officially cancelled now. So every sporting event is over, only the Premier League somehow doesn't want to announce it.

If Wimbledon one of if not the most historic and iconic sporting event round the world, then the premiership which has only been going 25 years can definitely cancel the season, let's move on to next season now. 500 plus people died in last 24 hours in this country, so this season is irrelevant now, sadly the premiership officials think they are far more important.

Too much money at stake I think for clubs not to finish the season. I think they’ll find a way unless it carries on until June. 
 

But if we carry on until July, won’t we be out of sync with other leagues?

Speaking of money UEFA are suspending FFP for the year. Which is precisely the dumbest idea in the history of this whole ludicrous concept

That now signals to those clubs like PSG and City whose oil sheik owners will have been unaffected that they can spend up big and avoid any consequences. 

Secondly, in a moment where teams may have had to tighten their belts and we could have seen a movement towards lower transfer fees and wages through necessity and the need to meet FFP. We will instead see one or two clubs again keeping the fees and wages high and forcing others to meet them. 

By all means offer an extenuating circumstances clauses for clubs whose revenues have been hit. But make it conditional, not carte blanche.

There’s going to be a lot of transfer budgets that are destroyed because of this. I would like to think that this puts us in a good position given our strong youth team. 

While Wimbledon itself as a one off is quite different to continued football, the key point is that events as far ahead as late June/early July are being binned.

Wimbledon being cancelled for the first time since WWII doesn't work in Federers favour at all as he isn't getting any younger. This hurts also players that are in good form, mainly Nadal and Djokovic that probably wanted to win more while they are playing this well..

2 hours ago, JM7 said:

Too much money at stake I think for clubs not to finish the season. I think they’ll find a way unless it carries on until June. 
 

But if we carry on until July, won’t we be out of sync with other leagues?

I think there's more money at stake if they play it out, there will be huge short term losses to void it, but there will be even bigger longterm losses if they carry it out. 

11 hours ago, chi blue said:

If Wimbledon one of if not the most historic and iconic sporting event round the world, then the premiership which has only been going 25 years can definitely cancel the season, let's move on to next season now. 500 plus people died in last 24 hours in this country, so this season is irrelevant now, sadly the premiership officials think they are far more important.

Not really sure that's fair, people are allowed to care for life and think of materialistic things aswell, it's not mutually exclusive. For example, today I want to get my FIFA season done and walk/feed my dog, but obviously the latter is the primary concern and wanting the former also done doesn't mean I want my dog to starve to death.

1 hour ago, Argo said:

Not really sure that's fair, people are allowed to care for life and think of materialistic things aswell, it's not mutually exclusive. For example, today I want to get my FIFA season done and walk/feed my dog, but obviously the latter is the primary concern and wanting the former also done doesn't mean I want my dog to starve to death.

Your priorities are driven by common sense and caring Argo, the premiership big wigs are driven by only one thing Money!

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/11967307/pfa-letter-warns-players-over-agreeing-to-wage-cuts-during-coronavirus-pandemic

Got me thinking: how many other people have been given this option/warning.

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-premier-league-chiefs-push-for-big-player-pay-cut-11967686

Premier League chiefs will discuss proposals on Friday for substantial cuts to players' wages against a backdrop of growing anger at the sport's approach to the financial challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Sky News understands that some senior figures connected to the world's richest domestic football league want the Premier League's 20 clubs to agree to a blanket reduction in players' salaries of up to 25%.

 

Under one proposal expected to be discussed, the money would be refunded to players in full if the season is completed in front of crowds, with a smaller rebate in the event that the remaining fixtures had to be played behind closed doors.

A 25% reduction in players' wages at clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur would, over the course of a three-month period, save hundreds of millions of pounds.

The league's annual wage bill stands at almost £3bn, with clubs estimated to face a £750m deficit in broadcasting, matchday and sponsorship revenue as a result of the suspension of matches until at least next month, the Financial Times suggested.

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The money would be forfeited altogether by English football's biggest stars, who include the Liverpool striker Mo Salah and Manchester City's Kevin de Bruyne, in the event that the season has to be abandoned.

One source said there was "nothing definitive" on the table and a range of options were likely to be discussed in relation to players' wages.

On 31/03/2020 at 08:28, Argo said:

Honestly Liverpool rarely enter my train of thought here. I made peace with the fact they are winning the league ever since Wolves won at The Ethiad and like I said in the previous post out of all the clubs that will suffer from this they will by far suffer the less in the grand scheme of things. As much as I hate to say it that squad are determined f**kers, losing the league with 97 points lit a fire in them and their title being voided will only serve to do it to an even greater extent most likely. The likes of Sheffield have my sympathy.

Things are already f**ked up and it will probably take a few years to get things back to "normal", unless we inadvertedly like whatever the new normal is and stick to it long term. Ultimately every situation now has it's sticky point, semi pro/ amatuer league's being voided are already facing law suits, and ending the league the way it is would be an even worse decision. Finishing out the season and working out the rest later is by far the less complicated out of all complicated flawed solutions. Also what has to be factored is the chances of the virus returning, atleast getting one season safely finished is a much preferable course of action than having two voids on the spin.

Also the screenshot I'm posting below demonstrates exactly why voiding won't be done unless it becomes an absolute last resort, rightly or wrongly. I personally think it will take minimum two backfired attempts at restarting the season before it's even put on the table as a legit option, and even then they will exhaust every other possible option before pressing the button.

Is that you John Aldridge? ?

I do find it amusing that most of the Leicester fans I know are quite happy to sacrifice Champions League football if it means that Liverpool get screwed over. 

2 hours ago, PloKoon13 said:

I do find it amusing that most of the Leicester fans I know are quite happy to sacrifice Champions League football if it means that Liverpool get screwed over. 

It baffles me how any fan can put Liverpool being f**ked over above their own team’s position. All that should matter is Chelsea qualifying for the CL.

 

UEFA has issued a letter about competitions ending early and plans to complete competitions in July and August. It may not be possible for some countries to complete seasons if the virus is still rampant. Football will not be seen as a priority. The cynic in me believes that UEFA doesn't want the seasons to complete in case some teams miss out next seasons Champions and Europa Leagues. May also miss out on sponsorship and broadcasting payments. Or am I just being a cynical old bastard.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52148695

Leagues across Europe have been told that ending competitions early could result in them forfeiting Champions League and Europa League places.

A letter sent by Uefa states that a plan is being formulated to complete current campaigns across the continent in July and August.

Both Uefa club competitions, currently at the last 16, would also then resume.

The letter was issued after Belgium became the first to declare an end to their 2019-20 campaign.

Also signed by the European Club Association and European Leagues, it concludes: "Since participation in Uefa club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfilment of such condition."

Scottish FA chief executive Ian Maxwell is in regular contact with Uefa, while the SPFL are in conversation with the European League Association about the matter.

The letter continues: "We are confident that football can restart in the months to come with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities,

"Their work is now focusing on scenarios encompassing the months of July and August, including the possibility that the Uefa competitions restart after the completion of domestic leagues.

"A joint management of calendars is strictly required as the conclusion of the current season must be coordinated with the start of the new one, which may be partly impacted because of the overstretch.

"Closely following the development of the current situation, the calendar working group will indicate as soon as possible, and ideally by mid-May, which of the plans can be enacted for the completion of the season without leaving anyone behind."

The Scottish Premiership's top three places, currently occupied by Celtic, Rangers and Motherwell, would be due to compete in Europe next season, along with the Scottish Cup winners, while the Ibrox side are still involved in this season's Europa League.

3 hours ago, rtwelch said:

It baffles me how any fan can put Liverpool being f**ked over above their own team’s position. All that should matter is Chelsea qualifying for the CL.

I don’t know, after all the smuggery all season long it’d be so hilarious to see it might be worth it. I’m not one to normally put country before club but this is testing me 

Edited April 3, 20206 yr by Munkworth

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus-premier-league-season-suspended-as-player-salaries-may-be-cut-30-11968115

The Premier League season has been suspended until it is safe to resume play, as it is announced players may have 30% of their salary cut.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52148955

Not a great surprise about the suspension.

As this incredibly contagious and lethal virus won't simply vanish all of a sudden, I am struggling to see what debate there really is about this season or even next season. At best, 21/22 is the next season that stands a chance of happening, and that will be dependent on some scientist somewhere finding a vaccine or cure for this thing and proving effective and safe over a year or more and then whomever being prepared to sell it worldwide. And it's unlikely it will be administered worldwide over a couple of weeks. Probably more like over a couple of years.

Edited April 3, 20206 yr by Snedger

I can't see this season being valid if they wish to play the remaining games in July, that would be highy irregular.

There could be many more suspensions announced. At the moment no one, even the leading scientists, knows when the virus will be eradicated. It could me months or, God forbid, years. Governments and scientific and health organisations rather than football authorities should be the ones to decide when sporting events and other mass gatherings can take place. Sport will be way down the list of priorities. Ensuring people are safe and well and business, schools etc are getting back to normal will be the priority. 

 

https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2020/04/03/premier-league-season-further-postponed?cardIndex=0-0

Someone was probably hoping that Roman would stop caring about the club after the government didn't extend his visa, but he only showed how much he loves the club by personally making the phone call to Sarri.

He will keep putting his own money in the club to keep it in a good shape now that nobody will be earning money since no games are being played, you can't say the same to any other club in the league part from Man City that is basically owned by another country.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52161561

Uefa has lifted the ban on showing games starting at 15:00 on a Saturday live on TV in England and Scotland.

The move comes after requests from the Football Association and the Scottish Football Association amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

It is seen as the first move towards restarting some domestic competitions in the UK behind closed doors.

The blackout has long been in place during the English and Scottish season to protect attendances.

In a statement, Uefa said: "Uefa has lifted the 'blocked hours' protection granted to England and Scotland for the remainder of the 2019-20 season following requests from the relevant national associations as a result of measures taken in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic."

14 hours ago, Gol15 said:

Someone was probably hoping that Roman would stop caring about the club after the government didn't extend his visa, but he only showed how much he loves the club by personally making the phone call to Sarri.

He will keep putting his own money in the club to keep it in a good shape now that nobody will be earning money since no games are being played, you can't say the same to any other club in the league part from Man City that is basically owned by another country.

If he loves the club, I'm surprised he doesn't use the option on his  Israeli passport to attend our games.

I know I would, but let's be honest, he is a Russian oligarch who just by lucky chance chose to purchase our club , it could have well been Tottenham ... Imagine that ! Or rather don't imagine it, it's too painful to even contemplate.

And don't forget that the money he has spent is in the form of loans, which still is attached to our club in the holding company , called " Fordstam".

In theory he can call the loan in with 18 months notice. It's well over a £ 1billion , hopefully that will never happen, as it would cripple the club.

Mind you, we live in strange times !

Edited April 4, 20206 yr by The Rising Sun
Infoadded

Belgium League cancelled Brugges declared champions.....And a committee to decide promotion, relegation and European places..

Don't like the idea of a committee, I can't see that working over here.