If this season's remaining games (and it's a big if) are played later this year e.g. in June it is probable that they will be played behind closed doors. The atmosphere at these games will be poor to say the least. In the U.K. Sky, BT etc will broadcast the games and I understand that all of the Premier League games (I'm not sure about other divisions) will be shown. There will be a charge and those who already subscribe to Sky Sports and BT Sport may not incur a fee. Two questions: will those who don't subscribe to those companies pay off a one-off charge to watch their team or teams if they so wish? Secondly, what about season ticket holders and those others who have already bought tickets for a game or games. Will they be expected to pay to watch their team on television or online given that they have already paid? If they are expected to pay to watch the home games (and away games where appropriate)  on television they will effectively be asked to pay twice i.e. ST and TV. A way around it be could be to prove evidence of a ST i.e. each ST holder has a unique membership. That would require broadcasters and clubs to share information. There could, though, be a problem with sharing information under data protection regulations.

2 hours ago, The Rising Sun said:

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 !

Well it's all a matter of how a person feels, if you feel betrayed then you wouldn't come as you don't trust the government. After all he was living in London for more than 10 years and suddenly he wasn't welcomed, even if someone told him there was a loop hole it doesn't mean he would have the security of his own safety so he isn't a naive person that's for sure.

I don't see it in that way, just by chance you and me could have been fans of that other club as well but I don't think that is how life works, for me nobody is in the world just by chance.

He already proved over the years that he loves the club and that he isn't just a rich owner that wants to fill a big hole in his life by winning trophies with a club, at least not more than any other fan out there and that does make him genuine and more humanistic in comparison to other owners.

If I recall correctly if a person has a lot of money or assets they cannot account for the police can now confiscate those assets. That must be a huge disincentive to stay here given that you also have cordial relations with the Russian premier who the West see as a dictator.

Just the perspective of Johnny Foreigner here, but the idea of not just calling it quits now seems ludicrous.

I'll be shocked if things are "normal" enough by the end of August to allow 50k+ people to gather in one place too.

 

Football has to take a back seat now: end the season and we'll see what shape the UK is in by the start of the next one. I'm guessing bad.

 

We all know the only reason it hasn't already is for monetary reasons. Quite frankly it's disgusting. Over here in France it's horrendous, in my area the hospitals and morgues are totally overflowing and there's no way this is just blowing over in three weeks, we'll be lucky if we can leave the house without a permit, nevermind gather with thousands upon thousands of other people in a stadium.... 

49 minutes ago, BordeauxBlue said:

Just the perspective of Johnny Foreigner here, but the idea of not just calling it quits now seems ludicrous.

I'll be shocked if things are "normal" enough by the end of August to allow 50k+ people to gather in one place too.

 

Football has to take a back seat now: end the season and we'll see what shape the UK is in by the start of the next one. I'm guessing bad.

 

We all know the only reason it hasn't already is for monetary reasons. Quite frankly it's disgusting. Over here in France it's horrendous, in my area the hospitals and morgues are totally overflowing and there's no way this is just blowing over in three weeks, we'll be lucky if we can leave the house without a permit, nevermind gather with thousands upon thousands of other people in a stadium.... 

Sorry to hear that things are tough where you are. I agree with you that it seems unlikely the season will resume and to be honest getting society back to full health has to be priority no matter how long it takes. Liverpool will just have to wait another 30 years. 

I think you've got to void the season. Even if infections are dropping by July, no government is going to want to be seen as creating a second wave (as happens in a lot of pandemics) by restrictions being lifted too early. 

You've got 9 games left. Even with an insane schedule, you're going to need 5-6 weeks to play that. Player contracts will expire, sponsorship will overlap.  What happens if a team gets 3-4 first team players out with corona? You're going to have players who've not played for 3 months with limited training ability asked to suddenly start playing 3 games in 7 days. 

Finishing the season as is? Teams that have their difficult games backloaded are at a massive advantage in terms of relegation and Champions League. It would be too unfair and I imagine some teams would take the league to court. 

Playoff tournaments? Again the differing fixtures would make this unfair and how would you deal teams that would be confident of remaining up/qualifying suddenly having to deal with matches that woulds be a lottery because of fitness and 'cup final' mentalities.

As the article below states, the Premier League could face a penalty of £762 million if the season does not resume. A couple of thoughts: that figure seems high and I can't recall how much BT, Sky etc paid for broadcast rights. Does anyone know?  Also, it's not as if clubs have made the decision not to broadcast games. Clubs and footballing authorities are following Government advice. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52168692

The Premier League faces a £762m financial penalty if the season does not resume, players have been told.

Such a penalty would apply if broadcasters demanded refunds on games they could not show, the league said during a conference call on Saturday.

During the call with the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), the Premier League explained why it wants players to drop wages by 30%.

Clubs and players will discuss the plan with talks set to go into next week.

That is because the Premier League is not mandated to make such a decision and it has to be agreed by the players and coaches.

As well as the PFA, which is the players' union, representatives from the League Managers' Association - the managers' union - were also involved in Saturday's call, which was concluded in less than an hour with no agreement reached.

During the meeting, the league said the season will almost certainly be played behind closed doors if it resumes.

It also warned that, in addition to the penalties payable to broadcasters, hundreds of millions of pounds could be lost in sponsorship and matchday revenue because the season has been suspended.

The Premier League announced on Friday that it would ask players to take a 30% pay cut in order to protect jobs.

There are issues to be sorted out, though, as the PFA and leading agents think wage deferrals rather than cuts are preferable at this stage.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52175816

The Champions League and Europa League could be abandoned if coronavirus restrictions remain in place into September, according to Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin.

But Ceferin added that playing behind closed doors would be preferred to abandoning games.

Champions League and Europa League matches are currently suspended until further notice.

"We can't play it out in September or October," Ceferin told ZDF Sportstudio.

When asked whether the season could be abandoned, he added: “If the authorities do not allow us to play, then we cannot play.”

• Wayne Rooney says players face a no-win situation in wage debate
• Kyle Walker: Manchester City defender faces investigation over lockdown breach

Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea are both still in the Champions League, while Manchester United, Wolves and Scottish Premiership side Rangers are all in the Europa League.

“The fact is that we really don’t know much,” Ceferin explained.

“We are waiting for the development of this terrible situation in the world, and mainly in Europe.

"It is still better to play the game behind closed doors and have it on TV, which is what the people need and want because it brings positive energy to their homes, than not playing at all.

“That’s what the people want, that brings positive energy, and it will be July or August."

The finals of the Champions League, Europa League and Women's Champions League, all of which were scheduled for May, have already been postponed.

I can see the CL still being suspended next season. Players and clubs won’t want to send their players abroad and I’m sure as employees, it would be reasonable for them to reject the idea. 

Whenever and however football restarts itself I could easily see the league cup at least being suspended for a season, possibly european comps as well. Having squads and fanbases going all over europe you'd think would definitely be unwanted until this has completely settled down.

I can’t see CL restarting in September. I think it will be suspended in September or at least pushed back and they’ll try to squeeze the group games in later in the year. It will be too risky sending teams all over Europe. 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52188913

Article about changing transfer window and contract dates.

40 minutes ago, Boyne said:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52188913

Article about changing transfer window and contract dates.

And what if players/coaches/managers dont want to extend their contract? What if the team bottom of the league entice several of the players from a team just above them to move to them instead? 

1 minute ago, dkw said:

And what if players/coaches/managers dont want to extend their contract? What if the team bottom of the league entice several of the players from a team just above them to move to them instead? 

Indeed. In the last paragraph it mentions that it is hoped that the guidelines will be accepted in the spirit when the contract was first drawn up. Not sure if that would be the case especially with all the uncertainties with football budgets and when seasons will finish if at all.

2 hours ago, Boyne said:

Indeed. In the last paragraph it mentions that it is hoped that the guidelines will be accepted in the spirit when the contract was first drawn up. Not sure if that would be the case especially with all the uncertainties with football budgets and when seasons will finish if at all.

I think a lot of players will be willing to sign short term contracts (Willian has hinted he'd be happy too despite the fact contract talks with him from next season onwards have totally broken down).

Ultimately there's complications to whatever route is taken now, just something football in general needs to adapt too.

On 07/04/2020 at 18:38, Argo said:

I think a lot of players will be willing to sign short term contracts (Willian has hinted he'd be happy too despite the fact contract talks with him from next season onwards have totally broken down).

Ultimately there's complications to whatever route is taken now, just something football in general needs to adapt too.

Do you honestly think we could trust Willian to give 100% having already committed his future to Spuds? Same goes to any player, why would they risk a move with getting injured for a 9 match deal?

I just don't understand how any can be penalized for something not continuing when this is completely out of the hands of everyone. Money doesn't mean anything if a whole heap of people get sick and die because we didn't want a football season to be cut short. I just... I don't know... finishing the season shouldn't be the concern with everything else going on currently.

If the season is voided, will European places be decided by our positions in the preceding season ?

I suppose that's the only way really.

When restrictions are gradually lifted , football will probably be one of the last in line.

Can't even see how next season will play out with the Euros at the end of it ?

1 hour ago, The Rising Sun said:

If the season is voided, will European places be decided by our positions in the preceding season ?

I suppose that's the only way really.

When restrictions are gradually lifted , football will probably be one of the last in line.

Can't even see how next season will play out with the Euros at the end of it ?

I think this is what they really should be concentrating on, just write this one of now and allow the clubs and authorities to start planning for all the possibilities for next season. Concerning themselves with how to complete this one just wastes resources.

28 minutes ago, dkw said:

I think this is what they really should be concentrating on, just write this one of now and allow the clubs and authorities to start planning for all the possibilities for next season. Concerning themselves with how to complete this one just wastes resources.

I think not only is that the best idea, its the fairest way to finish the season. VAR has tainted the season and the league can write it off and learn from the mistakes, like we need pitch side monitors being used.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52230105

The English Football League season can be completed in 56 days when it is safe to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic, clubs have been told.

But it is assumed that matches will be played behind closed doors.

A letter sent to all 72 EFL clubs by chairman Rick Parry said no training should resume until at least 16 May.

The EFL said it was hopeful the campaign could finish in the summer, but there is still no indication of when it might begin again.

All 24 sides in the Championship still had nine matches to play when the league was suspended on 13 March, while some clubs in League One have 12 games remaining.

But the EFL estimates it can finish all fixtures within two months, including the play-offs.

"How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the government and relevant health authorities," the letter said.

"It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best we can."

Looks very messy in Scotland when it comes to ending the season up there. Will be interesting to see what happens.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52278336

The Scottish Professional Football League's board will meet on Tuesday in the wake of Friday's incomplete ballot.

The league (SPFL) is hopeful of gaining clarity from Dundee over their decisive vote, which could end the lower league season.

The fate of the campaign rests on the Championship club, who asked for their initial no vote not to be considered, according to the SPFL.

Reports on Tuesday claim Dundee are now close to voting for the proposal.

If passed, the Championship, League One and League two would finish now on a points-per-game basis. The Premiership season would also be ended if the SPFL board "determines the games cannot be played".

• What now for Scottish football? The key unanswered questions amid SPFL mayhem
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Friday's ballot led to chaotic scenes in the days that followed, with top-flight club Rangers calling for the suspension of SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster and legal adviser Rod McKenzie, as well as an independent investigation into the ballot.

Hearts owner chairman Ann Budge has also accused the league of trying to "unduly influence" the vote and vowing to propose league reconstruction.

For the SPFL motion to be passed, it needs nine Premiership clubs, eight in the Championship, and 15 in Leagues One and Two combined to vote in favour.

The threshold has already been reached for the Premiership and the bottom two leagues, with the Championship just one vote short.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52307147

Premier League clubs will discuss the option of putting a 30 June deadline on the 2019-20 season at a meeting on Friday.

Not all clubs have been involved in informal discussions at this stage but, with a hoped-for May resumption to the season unlikely, club owners are looking at how to avoid potentially difficult contractual situations.

Numerous players' present deals expire on 30 June, notably Chelsea midfielder Willian and Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen.

In addition, Liverpool are due to change shirt manufacturers from New Balance to Nike, while Watford and Newcastle are also changing kit suppliers.

World governing body FIFA are aware of the problem and are looking at alternatives, like rolling contract extensions, with the season currently suspended indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.

However, legally, players cannot be forced to sign them, raising the possibility of clubs losing key parts of their squad before the campaign has been concluded.

It has led to an increasing body of opinion that, no matter what the state of the Premier League at that point, 30 June should be the final day.

Such a move would also bring more clarity to the 2020-21 season, which BBC Sport has been told by numerous sources is more important than the current one.

Putting a deadline on this season is fraught with problems, particularly surrounding relegation and promotion.

One idea being pushed forward again is to promote current Championship top two Leeds and West Brom, not relegate anyone from the top flight and go with a 22-team competition, which would increase the number of TV games and potentially avoid the need to repay this season's broadcast money.

However, that would create a problem for the Football League as it would lead to an imbalance in their numbers.

These are all issues that will be debated by Premier League executives on Friday, although a definitive decision seems unlikely given Uefa has pleaded for leagues to give them time to return with their own proposals for ending the season across Europe, something they expect to do by mid-May at the latest.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder though does not expect a deadline to be set for the end of the campaign.

He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "I'm sure that we will adjust accordingly. I think for the integrity of the competition and competitions, especially the top end of English football and European football, they'll want to finish the season.

"I believe that there will be an ability next year to adjust, with international breaks, with moving a few games into midweek. We have that ability through organisation and planning to finish this season off.

"But only as everybody said, and I'll reiterate that, when it's safe to do so for everybody. And that obviously we have to take our lead off the government and what they suggest and want us to do."

2 hours ago, Boyne said:

Not all clubs have been involved in informal discussions at this stage but

That`s an incredibly worrying quote, it sounds to me like certain clubs are trying to push their agenda and to hell with the others.

Reading an interview with Reece James has really hit it home just how much I'm missing the game. The fact that it's happening just as scores of exciting homegrown lads are finally making it through makes it even harder. Pound for pound I was probably enjoying and taking pride in this season more than any other all things considered (which is one of the two main reason's my preference is for it to be finished as soon as it's safe).

Atleast whenever the game restarts we have a really solid future to look forward too, I'm not usually one of these excitable people but I genuinely believe we have our own CO92.