[Football] Premier League / Football League attempts to finish the season

[Bold Seagull]

These people are insane. Have they not spotted that other major sporting events scheduled for July/August have already been cancelled (Wimbledon, Olympics, British Open Golf, etc), with most others due for the chop soon. Have they not understood that social distancing of some sort will HAVE to continue until a vaccine is found. Do these people not even read a newspaper??!!

The governor of Georgia in the US, a fairly responsible position said he only found out in the last 24 hours that an asymptomatic person could pass on the virus. If a politician holding a fair amount of power can be that ignorant, it's not great surprise the 3-piece-suit brigade who run football are a bit out of touch.

 

[studio150]

UEFA seem to be on another planet.

By playing into August, wold effectively leave no break before season 2020/21 needs to start, which needs to conclude in May 2021 given Euros 2020 are taking place next year.

So excluding all domestic cup competitions, the top (PL) players would need to play 10 games to conclude this season, 38 league games and an average of 10 European games. If internationals are played then more games are added.

So the players will be going into the Euros on the back of 60 games without a break (more if domestic cups are played).

The UEFA position also completely overlooks the players contract position if games are played into July and August, plus the transfer window.

As with most UEFA decisions the financial position is the only one that matters.

 

[Farehamseagull]

Makes we want to vomit when they use the phrase ‘football family’. As if they give a **** about anyone except themselves, disgusting cretins.

 

[drew]

I see it's being reported that the EPL have asked players to consider a 30% pay cut during the crisis.

a) Why did they have to wait to be asked? I know there are plenty of players already doing things but surely this was a no brainer.
b) Why did the PFA advise players not to agree to any pay cuts without consulting them first.
c) Is the chief execs of the EPL taking a 30% pay cut?


As for concerns over prematurely ending the season, I believe part of this is a final payment for tv in the region of £750m. That is just £37.5m per club! Hardly an unbearable amount taking into account he current crisis.

 

[sparkie]

I see it's being reported that the EPL have asked players to consider a 30% pay cut during the crisis.

a) Why did they have to wait to be asked? I know there are plenty of players already doing things but surely this was a no brainer.
b) Why did the PFA advise players not to agree to any pay cuts without consulting them first.
c) Is the chief execs of the EPL taking a 30% pay cut?


As for concerns over prematurely ending the season, I believe part of this is a final payment for tv in the region of £750m. That is just £37.5m per club! Hardly an unbearable amount taking into account he current crisis.

Just slash spending in the next transfer window and that amount will be covered.

Need to have a plan to start next season, though.

 

[pb21]

Club email just come in, seems like indefinite hold:

COVID-19: UPDATE FROM THE PREMIER LEAGUE

At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed in detail how to respond to the COVID-19 global pandemic. First and foremost, it was reaffirmed that the overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.

It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so. The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.

The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution. With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition. However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows.

The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting.

In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration. This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The League will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.

Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow. Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.

Further to that assistance, the League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable. The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.

In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need. This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

In response to COVID-19, Premier League clubs have been supporting tens of thousands of people in their communities each and every day through targeted activity including donations to foodbanks, telephone calls to the elderly, food parcels delivered to the vulnerable and a wide range of free resources to support wellbeing and education. Many Premier League clubs are also working closely with their local NHS Trusts to provide valuable support through the provision of resources, volunteers and facilities. Now, more than ever, clubs are playing a vital role to support the wellbeing of those in their communities and alleviate pressure on critical health services.

Working closely with the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England and the NHS, the wide reach and appeal of the Premier League and our clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis.

The Premier League would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19.

 

[Pavilionaire]

My initial reaction to the latest developments is "The horse has already bolted, you greedy ********".

I'm really split on football at the moment. Albion In The Community and the club in general are such a force for good in Sussex, but the top echelons of the game collectively have no moral compass and are guided only by money.

Maybe let the top clubs of Europe have their closed shop Super League and let the rest of us reboot football with a root and branch reform?

 

[sparkie]

Just call the season off FFS.

Concentrate on getting everything in place for starting the 20/21 season in September/October.

 

[beorhthelm]

they've take some positive steps, more than some business, less than some want.

 

[pb21]

Just call the season off FFS.

Concentrate on getting everything in place for starting the 20/21 season in September/October.

I get putting it on hold, but IMO there should be some kind of cut off date beyond which it's cancelled.

 

[DJ NOBO]

Just call the season off FFS.

Concentrate on getting everything in place for starting the 20/21 season in September/October.

Why ?

It’s totally unfair.

The season should be resumed when football can start again, whenever that is.

They can make compromises by shortening next season.

Ps as an Albion fan , I’d be more than happy if the season was scrapped. Just doesn’t seem fair on the scousers.

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

Just call the season off FFS.

Concentrate on getting everything in place for starting the 20/21 season in September/October.

Really think if it was anyone else but Leeds and Liverpool winning the league/being promoted we would be a lot closer to voiding the season

They are scared of the fall out

 

[sparkie]

Why ?

It’s totally unfair.

The season should be resumed when football can start again, whenever that is.

They can make compromises by shortening next season.

Ps as an Albion fan , I’d be more than happy if the season was scrapped. Just doesn’t seem fair on the scousers.

They'll be in a legal nightmare with player contracts if they go beyond June 30th.

( See the article in The Athletic this week. )


With this in mind, there is no point in continually not making the decision.

 

[Billy in Bristol]

Not sure if mentioned elsewhere but independent thought process by Jordan Henderson

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/apr/03/liverpool-jordan-henderson-sets-up-premier-league-coronavirus-fund-for-nhs

 

[Marty___Mcfly]

Seems like a sensible position announced today. They admit they do not know when football will re-start (domestically effectively it will be when the major elements of the lockdown end I imagine, shops and pubs, schools re-open etc). They commit to concluding the 19/20 season, all competitions.

If effect, they are conceding that following seasons will be impacted, they don't know how, as they don't know how long the delay will last. They will sort out something, maybe reduced / cancelled completions next season, who knows.

All seems reasonable.

 

[Weststander]

Really think if it was anyone else but Leeds and Liverpool winning the league/being promoted we would be a lot closer to voiding the season

They are scared of the fall out

UEFA are driving this, they’ve made it very clear including today that national leagues must not null and void this unfinished season. Liverpool, Leeds (and WBA) are inconsequential in the big picture of European football.

Of course Spurs, Brighton and Norwich fans dream about this season to be voided, after a car crash of relentless bad results. Guaranteeing Spurs the rich rewards (up to £100m) of CL football for 2020/21 by the back door. UEFA are having none of that. National leagues breaking their ruling are being told that their clubs won’t feature in the 2020/21 CL and EL.

 

[Weststander]

Makes we want to vomit when they use the phrase ‘football family’. As if they give a **** about anyone except themselves, disgusting cretins.

The football family who get 20,000 seats at FAC finals, depriving seats for true supporters of the competing clubs.

 

[Weststander]

Sweden haven't closed schools or restaurants yet have they? They're on a different strategy to everyone.

The Swedish PM Lofven and chief epidemiologist Tegnell are adamant that the lockdown strategy in Denmark, the UK and France is the wrong route. They’ve opted for the ‘stage one’ strategy briefly played out here, relying on individuals and businesses to make decisions on reducing some social interaction. Their belief is that the lockdown pursued in other European nations is causing untold damage to economies and livelihoods, and will lead to a steeper curve putting unnecessary strain on hospitals.

 

[father_and_son]

UEFA are driving this, they’ve made it very clear including today that national leagues must not null and void this unfinished season. Liverpool, Leeds (and WBA) are inconsequential in the big picture of European football.

Of course Spurs, Brighton and Norwich fans dream about this season to be voided, after a car crash of relentless bad results. Guaranteeing Spurs the rich rewards (up to £100m) of CL football for 2020/21 by the back door. UEFA are having none of that. National leagues breaking their ruling are being told that their clubs won’t feature in the 2020/21 CL and EL.

Sky and BT are controlling football in UK, not UEFA.
Refund to TV broadcasters if season cancelled is £750m. EPL can't pay that back and would, clearly, call on clubs. Clubs don't have that cash either (given PFA have only agreed to voluntary salary reductions or deferments... So clubs still going to pay most or all of player wages eventually).

This season will continue regardless of UEFA or player contracts because otherwise PL or clubs will be bankrupted.

 

[Weststander]

Sky and BT are controlling football in UK, not UEFA.
Refund to TV broadcasters if season cancelled is £750m. EPL can't pay that back and would, clearly, call on clubs. Clubs don't have that cash either (given PFA have only agreed to voluntary salary reductions or deferments... So clubs still going to pay most or all of player wages eventually).

This season will continue regardless of UEFA or player contracts because otherwise PL or clubs will be bankrupted.

UEFA have underlined again today that all national leagues must be completed, even if there’s a long delay. With punishment for any FA that falls out of line.

I don’t doubt that the PL clubs have money lust too. We can’t exclude Brighton from this NSC slagging off. Without that TV income, Brighton’s huge annual accounting losses will go off the scale for this current financial year .... meaning TB will have to put in many more £10m’s from personal funds. It must focus the minds of TB, Steve Parish, Gold & Sullivan, Levy.