If the Premier League season is declared null and void, should Liverpool be crowned champions?

[MenInG]

The Coronavirus issue is not going to go away soon - so how should the PL season end?

Should we simply give the trophy to Liverpool? What about the teams battling relegation?

Here is one opinion - read and then vote on poll

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West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady believes this season's Premier League should be declared "null and void" if it can't be finished due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League postponed all fixtures until April 4 at the earliest due to the threat of the coronavirus but some clubs feel the campaign will not be restarted again during the current season.

Writing in The Sun, Brady, who will be part of a Premier League emergency meeting on Thursday, said: "Suspension or cancellation of the league was always a certainty.

"There is no dodging the possibility that all levels in the EFL, as well as the Premier League, will have to be cancelled and this season declared null and void because if the players can't play the games can't go ahead.

"The PL hopes that an interlude of three weeks from today will enable it to restart but that may well be dreamland.

"So what if the league cannot be finished? As games in both the PL and in the EFL are affected, the only fair and reasonable thing to do is declare the whole season null and void.

"Who knows who would have gone down or come up if the games have not actually been played in full?

"A huge blow to Liverpool who might be robbed of their first title in 30 years. This will be discussed between the PL and the clubs next week at an emergency meeting."

"It's inarguable that Liverpool have been the best team in the league this season. It's really more about the integrity of the competition for me.

"The Liverpool part is the easy part for me. Liverpool have won 27 out of 29 games. We haven't had an Aguero moment, it's done and dusted and we've had the emotional journey."

Aston Villa currently find themselves in the relegation places and would go down if the season ends early and Dan Bardell of the 1874 podcast said: "I think it was the right decision (to suspend it). If we win our game in hand we're out of the relegation zone and you want everyone on an even keel.

"Maybe we have two teams come up and nobody goes down and you start again next season. But I'd prefer Villa took care of business on the pitch. Somebody has got to come up with a master plan."

There have also been widespread reports that some Premier League clubs may refuse to play when the season is due to resume in early April due to concerns over their players' fitness and the competition's integrity.

The Daily Mail report that executives at several Premier League clubs have expressed their concerns over a number of issues, including the likelihood of more players contracting coronavirus during the shutdown.

Ensuring that all clubs return to competition at the same time may not fall in line with when certain self-isolation periods have ended, meaning the integrity of the Premier League would be undermined.

Elsewhere, FA chairman Greg Clarke has told The Times he does not believe the domestic football season will be completed, citing the financial implications on the clubs involved.

The Daily Telegraph report that if the domestic football calendar is unable to be completed, Liverpool would be crowned champions with no objection expected from the other 19 Premier League clubs.

The report also claims that the Premier League will discuss next Thursday drastic plans which may include five teams being relegated from the top flight next season and the EFL Cup being axed completely in order to facilitate football when it returns.

Could we be set for an even longer time away from the game? Football authorities in England and across Europe are bracing themselves for a total shutdown that will only be lifted by September, according to The Independent.

https://www.skysports.com/football/...-its-not-finished-says-west-hams-karren-brady

 

[Slog]

No.

Season should be restarted next season.

It’s not even about Liverpool. They will have won the title. The issue is champions league, Europe league and most importantly relegation spots which cannot be determined

 

[Halaribo]

I'd laugh my head off if it was called null and void. Mass riots in Mersey.

 

[shaykh]

No basis for it to be awarded to them...can't grant them a title based on what if's...

Would love to see it actually...worst fans around when it comes to playing the victim...can you imagine how long they would go on about the injustice of Coronavirus on them...millions can die but what about poor Liverpool ...

More importantly though the teams in the bottom three shouldn't be relegated...giving Liverpool the league is significantly easier than taking something away...

Also don't agree with the promote Leeds and West Brom idea...cos again they haven't sealed the top 2...and along with Liverpool fans it would be fun to laugh at Leeds who look like they were finally going to get promoted

If Liverpool do get granted it...it will always have an asterix next to it...

 

[sweep_shot]

Liverpool is so ahead that they should be declared the champion. No question about it.

 

[Yossarian]

Liverpool is so ahead that they should be declared the champion. No question about it.

If Liverpool is given the title, does similar apply to teams currently in Champions League and Europa League qualification positions, bearing in mind that Sheffield United, currently 7th, have played a game less than Man Utd, who are 2 points ahead in 5th place (in Champions League qualification position if the Man City ban is upheld)?

Similar for Arsenal currently in 9th position, but having played a game less than those above, for Europa League qualification?

And of course similar for Aston Villa currently at 19th and in the relegation zone, but having played a game less than those above and only 2 points ahead?

If the season is cancelled, and declared null & void, but Liverpool awarded the title of Champions, what are they Champions of? A season that doesn't exist anymore in the record books?

Forget the sentimentality of "Liverpool are so far ahead...", "Liverpool deserve it ...", otherwise, with so much money now involved (eg being relegated or not) everything will be tied up and on hold, due to court cases, for years to come.

Even if Liverpool were mathematically uncatchable, the above would still apply.

 

[sweep_shot]

If Liverpool is given the title, does similar apply to teams currently in Champions League and Europa League qualification positions, bearing in mind that Sheffield United, currently 7th, have played a game less than Man Utd, who are 2 points ahead in 5th place (in Champions League qualification position if the Man City ban is upheld)?

Similar for Arsenal currently in 9th position, but having played a game less than those above, for Europa League qualification?

And of course similar for Aston Villa currently at 19th and in the relegation zone, but having played a game less than those above and only 2 points ahead?

If the season is cancelled, and declared null & void, but Liverpool awarded the title of Champions, what are they Champions of? A season that doesn't exist anymore in the record books?

Forget the sentimentality of "Liverpool are so far ahead...", "Liverpool deserve it ...", otherwise, with so much money now involved (eg being relegated or not) everything will be tied up and on hold, due to court cases, for years to come.

Even if Liverpool were mathematically uncatchable, the above would still apply.

If gap is too big, I see no issue.

1st place Liverpool has 82 points. 2nd place Manchester City has 57 points. That's a gap of 25 points.

It is highly unlikely any team can catch Liverpool here. Therefore, it makes sense to give them the title.

 

[Yossarian]

If gap is too big, I see no issue.

1st place Liverpool has 82 points. 2nd place Manchester City has 57 points. That's a gap of 25 points.

It is highly unlikely any team can catch Liverpool here. Therefore, it makes sense to give them the title.

In that case address the points in my post that you quoted.

It's far too simplistic to simply look at the points gap between Liverpool and 2nd place, without understanding the knock-on effects and ramifications all the way down.

So, as a starter, try and address the points I listed.

 

[Musakhel]

Play games with no crowds.

 

[Yossarian]

Play games with no crowds.

A manager (Arsenal) and at least one player (Chelsea) are currently infected.
With players worth many tens of millions of pounds, and team squads worth hundreds of millions of pounds, clubs aren't going to take the risk of their players / squads being infected.

 

[Uzi]

No. I don't believe you should just award the title on the basis of them being 25 points clear. It would also be quite funny to boot.

If you awarded them the title than what would you do with relegation and the champs league and europa league places?

 

[AAli98]

By that logic give the FA cup to Norwich.

Season should be made null & void.

 

[MenInG]

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admits he would be "gutted" if the coronavirus crisis prevents fans from watching them win a league title for the first time in 30 years.

The Reds lead the Premier League by 25 points but football across the country is suspended until 3 April.

The prospect of playing matches without fans has been raised as one of a number of ways to complete the fixture list.

"No one wants to play games without the fans," said Van Dijk, 28.

"If we won it in an empty stadium and the fans weren't there, I'd be gutted for them," the Dutch international told newspapers.

"Obviously, if there are no fans at Anfield, then it will be a bit of a blow.

"Until a decision is made on how we go on from here, then we just have to deal with it. But when it happens, we are still bringing the title to our fans, definitely."

A null and void season? What happens next?
'Cups should be axed to save league season'

Brighton's chief executive says it would be 'unjust' if Liverpool are not awarded the title
Sport is expected to be subjected to further restrictions next week with Prime Minister Boris Johnson set to announce a blanket ban on major public gatherings.

Uefa will meet on Tuesday to discuss the scheduling of Euro 2020, which is due to begin on 12 June.

The Premier League will then hold a second emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss potential ways forward in the wake of Uefa making its own plans clear.

On Saturday, Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said it is "hard to imagine" the league resuming in early April given the crisis unfolding on a global scale.

Liverpool need a maximum of two more wins to secure the Premier League and Barber said it would be "incredibly unjust" if they were not to be awarded the title.

In a newspaper column, West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady said declaring the season "null and void" was "the only fair and reasonable thing to do".

On Friday, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said "football matches really aren't important at all" in an emotional message on the club's website where he urged fans to "look out for each other".

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51896368

 

[Mamoon]

As much as it hurts to see Liverpool win the league, it would be a complete farce if they are not declared the champions.

If it is not feasible to play with empty stands, the league should be canceled and the current table should be the final one.

Teams that are getting relegated or missing out on UCL/European qualifications should simply deal with it.

As long as all teams end up with the same number of matches (Man City vs Arsenal and Sheffield vs Villa must take place), there is no reason to complain.

Teams should pay a price for underperforming after 29 games. If they get relegated or miss out on European football, they only have themselves to blame.

 

[Kroll]

It would be exceptionally harsh on Liverpool if they were denied the Title this season.

From what I've seen and read, even amongst their biggest haters, there is a general consensus that the Title should be awarded to them.

 

[IMMY69]

Well the question states if the season was declared null and void...so that means the entire season is voided. You can’t have a winner...

Harsh as it is on Liverpool but this really is the only option.
Otherwise you have teams being relegated and others missing out in potential top four with massive financial consequences.

The seas has to be played out somehow, even if it’s delayed.
But you can’t just declare a winner now, that would be harsh on everyone else

 

[miandadrules]

They’ll probably restart the season in June and play till September.

New season will start straight after.

Way too many legal ramifications of just abandoning or ending the season as it stands .

 

[Kroll]

They’ll probably restart the season in June and play till September.

New season will start straight after.

Way too many legal ramifications of just abandoning or ending the season as it stands .

Its all subject to how the corona situation pans out. If it goes deep into the summer, then timings could prove too difficult to accommodate.

 

[Yossarian]

As much as it hurts to see Liverpool win the league, it would be a complete farce if they are not declared the champions.

If it is not feasible to play with empty stands, the league should be canceled and the current table should be the final one.

Teams that are getting relegated or missing out on UCL/European qualifications should simply deal with it.

As long as all teams end up with the same number of matches (Man City vs Arsenal and Sheffield vs Villa must take place), there is no reason to complain.

Teams should pay a price for underperforming after 29 games. If they get relegated or miss out on European football, they only have themselves to blame.

If Liverpool is given the title, does similar apply to teams currently in Champions League and Europa League qualification positions, bearing in mind that Sheffield United, currently 7th, have played a game less than Man Utd, who are 2 points ahead in 5th place (in Champions League qualification position if the Man City ban is upheld)?

Similar for Arsenal currently in 9th position, but having played a game less than those above, for Europa League qualification?

And of course similar for Aston Villa currently at 19th and in the relegation zone, but having played a game less than those above and only 2 points ahead?

If the season is cancelled, and declared null & void, but Liverpool awarded the title of Champions, what are they Champions of? A season that doesn't exist anymore in the record books?

Forget the sentimentality of "Liverpool are so far ahead...", "Liverpool deserve it ...", otherwise, with so much money now involved (eg being relegated or not) everything will be tied up and on hold, due to court cases, for years to come.

Even if Liverpool were mathematically uncatchable, the above would still apply.

I do wish some would think it through before coming up with simplistic answers.

Aston Villa are 19th and currently in a relegation spot, but with a game in hand and only two points behind teams just above the relegation zone. Being relegated/ not relegated is worth £100's millions. Also differences of tens of £millions for qualifying/ not qualifying for the European cup competitions.

As my post above says, Liverpool being awarded the title has many other ramifications. With so much money involved lawyers will keep everything tied up in court cases for years.

 

[Mamoon]

I do wish some would think it through before coming up with simplistic answers.

Aston Villa are 19th and currently in a relegation spot, but with a game in hand and only two points behind teams just above the relegation zone. Being relegated/ not relegated is worth £100's millions. Also differences of tens of £millions for qualifying/ not qualifying for the European cup competitions.

As my post above says, Liverpool being awarded the title has many other ramifications. With so much money involved lawyers will keep everything tied up in court cases for years.

Aston Villa have 25 points after 28 games. Whose fault is that?

Should Liverpool be denied the trophy (because of the failures of others) even though they are 100% guaranteed to win?

I am not looking for a simplistic solution. There is obviously no perfect solution to this that would please all parties.

However, denying Liverpool the trophy when they are guaranteed to lift it sounds ridiculously unfair.

You are talking about the relegation clubs going to court but you are ignoring the £150m prize money for winning the title. Do you think Liverpool would let it slide?

One can only feel sorry for FA who have no option but to upset a few clubs either way. Now whether they appease the team that is on the brink of winning the league or on the brink of getting relegated is up to them.

 

[Yossarian]

Aston Villa have 25 points after 28 games. Whose fault is that?

They've played one game less than those teams around them because their game was postponed due to their opponents cup commitments.

You can't decide promotion/relegation worth £100's millions when the teams haven't even played the same number of matches.

Should Liverpool be denied the trophy (because of the failures of others) even though they are 100% guaranteed to win?

No, they are not "100% guaranteed".

Mathematically Man City can still overhaul them. And even if Liverpool were 100% past being caught, the fact remains that the rules says that the Champions, European qualifications, relegations are based upon all 38 matches having been played, with every team playing every other team home and away (or words to that effect).

Anyway, this is the UK, and not Pakistan, where rules do matter.

I am not looking for a simplistic solution. There is obviously no perfect solution to this that would please all parties.

However, denying Liverpool the trophy when they are guaranteed to lift it sounds ridiculously unfair.

You are talking about the relegation clubs going to court but you are ignoring the £150m prize money for winning the title. Do you think Liverpool would let it slide?

No. Wrong. There is no £150million pound prize money for winning the title.

In 2018/2019, Man City received £38 million as prize money for winning the title. Liverpool received £36.1 million prize money for finishing 2nd. A difference of £1.9 million prize money between 1st and 2nd.

One can only feel sorry for FA who have no option but to upset a few clubs either way. Now whether they appease the team that is on the brink of winning the league or on the brink of getting relegated is up to them.

"Upset" and "appease" are meaningless when it comes to the rule book and many £tens of millions at stake. The lawyers will ensure that.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Pretty stupid move to suspend football when kids are going to school and with no other bans on mass gatherings.

We could have played another 2 games which could of meant Liverpool win the league.

FA or PL will not dare to void this season, there will be riots by Liverpool fans lol

 

[RickyG]

Lots of people in favour of making the season null and void because of either where their club is in the table.

You can have a shortened season as much as it may upset people. There isn’t anything wrong with that. If it’s only a matter of finishing two games that have been postponed and then declaring the season as complete so be it.

The other option is to complete the season when things get better. As long as it doesn’t take 6 months in which case, finalize it as it is. It’s your own fault if you’re getting relegated. You played like crap you don’t deserve any sympathy.

 

[Yossarian]

Pretty stupid move to suspend football when kids are going to school and with no other bans on mass gatherings.

Footballers, and a manager, have been tested positive. Resulting in their entire team squads being in quarantine.
Players are worth many £10's millions each, with some squads worth many £100's millions.

If you are a Man City director would you risk playing against Chelsea (which is still to be played) until the situation gets better? Chelsea, who's had a player test positive and the whole squad under quarantine? Considering that football is a contact sport?

As a Man City footballer, would you be comfortable playing against Chelsea until you're sure none of the Chelsea players are infected?

You can bet that there will be more footballers, support staff, club/stadium employees etc. who will start showing symptoms and positive test results over the coming days and weeks. The situation's going to get worse, not better.

As for kids still going to school, well that is a decision by the govt. Not by the football authorities. Or by individual football clubs.

We could have played another 2 games which could of meant Liverpool win the league.

Even if Liverpool were already past the point where they could be mathematically caught, you still could not make them Champions if the season could not be completed. Read my posts above as to why not.

FA or PL will not dare to void this season, there will be riots by Liverpool fans lol

Liverpool fans rioting at Anfield, or elsewhere in Liverpool? Now there's a thought!

 

[Mamoon]

They've played one game less than those teams around them because their game was postponed due to their opponents cup commitments.

You can't decide promotion/relegation worth £100's millions when the teams haven't even played the same number of matches.

Exactly, that is why I said that ‘if’ all teams play equal number of matches, i.e. City vs Arsenal and Sheffield vs Villa take place, which means that all PL teams would be on 29 matches.

Mathematically Man City can still overhaul them. And even if Liverpool were 100% past being caught, the fact remains that the rules says that the Champions, European qualifications, relegations are based upon all 38 matches having been played, with every team playing every other team home and away (or words to that effect).

Anyway, this is the UK, and not Pakistan, where rules do matter.

Mathematically, Quetta Gladiators could have qualified for the semifinal today by winning by 200 runs or chasing 150 in 18 balls.

Mathematically, Pakistan could have qualified for the World Cup semifinals by beating Bangladesh by 300+ runs.

However, there is a difference between maths and real life. Everyone knows that Liverpool are 100% guaranteed to win the league, because there is absolutely no chance of City catching them.

Thus, it will completely unfair to deny them the trophy by scrapping the season altogether.

As far as the rules are concerned, it appears that there is no official ruling in case of events like these. That is why there is a debate at the moment and people are giving their viewpoints while waiting to see what the FA would do.

If an official ruling would have existed, there would be no room for debate. This event will surely force the FA to formulate a ruling in case something like this happens in the future.

No. Wrong. There is no £150million pound prize money for winning the title.

In 2018/2019, Man City received £38 million as prize money for winning the title. Liverpool received £36.1 million prize money for finishing 2nd. A difference of £1.9 million prize money between 1st and 2nd.

Thanks, I stand corrected. The £150m is not just the prize money but the total package that you earn from winning the title.

“Winning the Premier League brings with it all sorts of concomitant financial rewards, but the immediate prize for the champions is currently in the region of £150 million ($182m).

Prize money is drawn from broadcast revenue - TV money - and a team's monetary health come the end of the season depends on how many televised games they are involved in, as well as their final position.”

https://www.goal.com/en/news/how-mu...019-20-winners-get/19jbauady17cw1ieojo40yextz

"Upset" and "appease" are meaningless when it comes to the rule book and many £tens of millions at stake. The lawyers will ensure that.

The fundamental flaw in your argument is that you are only looking at the losses of the clubs that will get relegated and miss out on your European competition.

You are ignoring Liverpool who will make losses for having their title snatched from them, and you are ignoring the Championship clubs who will be denied the opportunity to get promoted to the Premier League.

If the league is cancelled and the FA pretends that this season did not take place at all, it will mean that Leeds and West Brom will not get promoted and miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds.

Similarly, there will be no Championship playoff which is worth £170m to the winner.

Do you think Liverpool and the clubs already in the top 4 and the Championship clubs in contention for promotion would ignore the financial losses and not take legal action?

Anyway, what solution do you propose? It is pointless to have this discussion when you have not come up with a prospective solution that would be acceptable to all parties.

 

[PetroDollars]

Well they were in bad form, just lost to watford and got dumped out the FA cup and CL, we all know they were going to lose all there matches and City were going to catch up.

)

 

[Yossarian]

Exactly, that is why I said that ‘if’ all teams play equal number of matches, i.e. City vs Arsenal and Sheffield vs Villa take place, which means that all PL teams would be on 29 matches.



Mathematically, Quetta Gladiators could have qualified for the semifinal today by winning by 200 runs or chasing 150 in 18 balls.

Mathematically, Pakistan could have qualified for the World Cup semifinals by beating Bangladesh by 300+ runs.

However, there is a difference between maths and real life. Everyone knows that Liverpool are 100% guaranteed to win the league, because there is absolutely no chance of City catching them.

Thus, it will completely unfair to deny them the trophy by scrapping the season altogether.

As far as the rules are concerned, it appears that there is no official ruling in case of events like these. That is why there is a debate at the moment and people are giving their viewpoints while waiting to see what the FA would do.

If an official ruling would have existed, there would be no room for debate. This event will surely force the FA to formulate a ruling in case something like this happens in the future.



Thanks, I stand corrected. The £150m is not just the prize money but the total package that you earn from winning the title.

“Winning the Premier League brings with it all sorts of concomitant financial rewards, but the immediate prize for the champions is currently in the region of £150 million ($182m).

Prize money is drawn from broadcast revenue - TV money - and a team's monetary health come the end of the season depends on how many televised games they are involved in, as well as their final position.”

https://www.goal.com/en/news/how-mu...019-20-winners-get/19jbauady17cw1ieojo40yextz


The fundamental flaw in your argument is that you are only looking at the losses of the clubs that will get relegated and miss out on your European competition.

You are ignoring Liverpool who will make losses for having their title snatched from them, and you are ignoring the Championship clubs who will be denied the opportunity to get promoted to the Premier League.

If the league is cancelled and the FA pretends that this season did not take place at all, it will mean that Leeds and West Brom will not get promoted and miss out on hundreds of millions of pounds.

Similarly, there will be no Championship playoff which is worth £170m to the winner.

Do you think Liverpool and the clubs already in the top 4 and the Championship clubs in contention for promotion would ignore the financial losses and not take legal action?

Anyway, what solution do you propose? It is pointless to have this discussion when you have not come up with a prospective solution that would be acceptable to all parties.

I expect the FA to kick the can down the road in the hope that things will improve in the next month or two.

But ultimately, the option that is likely to create the least legal ramifications is if the season is made Null and void (unless a means to play the remaining matches is found).

Tough on Liverpool, but there we are.

 

[shaykh]

Taking my Villa glasses off...even from a neutral standpoint Yossarian is pretty much correct here...

If the season is null and void then that's what it is...null and void...Liverpool can play victim for another thirty years...and throw riots in their bedrooms during quarantine...football frankly isn't important when cases of corona are going to double everyday...and thousands are going to die...

It would be frankly be a PR disaster for Liverpool to take legal action...but then again Cardiff showed their lack of class with the whole Sala thing...

The public gathering comments are irrelevant...the issue is that footballers and a manager have caught the virus...thus ensuring teams have to be in isolation...this is why they aren't even playing behind closed doors...

 

[AdamM97]

Yes. They would’ve won it anyways. However, teams that will get relegated or finish at 5-8 won’t be too happy if FA decides to end the Premier League now.

 

[Yossarian]

Mathematically, Quetta Gladiators could have qualified for the semifinal today by winning by 200 runs or chasing 150 in 18 balls..

Are you seriously comparing and equating the financial stakes involved (and consequently legal court action taken by a disgruntled member team) of a sporting competion consisting of 6 teams, lasting one month, with a total (2019) income of less than $15m, and taking place in a corruption ridden country like Pakistan, with a sports competition consisting of 20 teams, lasting 9 months, with an annual income of £Billions, and played in England & Wales? )

 

[Mamoon]

I expect the FA to kick the can down the road in the hope that things will improve in the next month or two.

But ultimately, the option that is likely to create the least legal ramifications is if the season is made Null and void (unless a means to play the remaining matches is found).

Tough on Liverpool, but there we are.

Are you seriously comparing and equating the financial stakes involved (and consequently legal court action taken by a disgruntled member team) of a sporting competion consisting of 6 teams, lasting one month, with a total (2019) income of less than $15m, and taking place in a corruption ridden country like Pakistan, with a sports competition consisting of 20 teams, lasting 9 months, with an annual income of £Billions, and played in England & Wales? )

I am not comparing and equating the financial stakes of PSL with the PL; I am comparing the ridiculousness of ‘mathematical possibilities’.

Liverpool are 25 points clear of Man City with 9 matches to go. There is absolutely no way of them surrendering the title. Even Pep Guardiola at this point would not believe that his team has even a 1% chance of winning the title.

Thus, to deny Liverpool the opportunity of winning a guaranteed title is grossly unfair. The FA must (and will) find a way around it.

It is ironic to see you criticizing the suggestions of others as unrealistic and simplistic when your own solution (of making the season null and void) is the most unrealistic, simplistic and impractical solution of them all.

It will only benefit teams fighting relegation. It will simply not be acceptable to Liverpool and clubs in the lower ties who are in contention for promotion which is worth millions and millions. Declaring the season null and void will definitely not create the least legal ramifications.

You just cannot do a factory reset and pretend that the 2019-20 season did not happen.

 

[Technics 1210]

I am not comparing and equating the financial stakes of PSL with the PL; I am comparing the ridiculousness of ‘mathematical possibilities’.

Liverpool are 25 points clear of Man City with 9 matches to go. There is absolutely no way of them surrendering the title. Even Pep Guardiola at this point would not believe that his team has even a 1% chance of winning the title.

Thus, to deny Liverpool the opportunity of winning a guaranteed title is grossly unfair. The FA must (and will) find a way around it.

It is ironic to see you criticizing the suggestions of others as unrealistic and simplistic when your own solution (of making the season null and void) is the most unrealistic, simplistic and impractical solution of them all.

It will only benefit teams fighting relegation. It will simply not be acceptable to Liverpool and clubs in the lower ties who are in contention for promotion which is worth millions and millions. Declaring the season null and void will definitely not create the least legal ramifications.

You just cannot do a factory reset and pretend that the 2019-20 season did not happen.

If Liverpool winning the EPL is a mathematical certainty, then why dont bookies payout all those who bet on Liverpool to win the league, early?

There is still a probability that Liverpool may not win the EPL, and until the probability is either 1 or 0, everything inbetween is possible and probable.

You of all people should've learned the lesson on betting on the probable when betting on India to beat Pakistan in the CT17 final - or ruling out Pakistan from the competition after the first 2 results.

As they saying goes, it ain't over until the fat lady sings.

 

[Mamoon]

If Liverpool winning the EPL is a mathematical certainty, then why dont bookies payout all those who bet on Liverpool to win the league, early?

There is still a probability that Liverpool may not win the EPL, and until the probability is either 1 or 0, everything inbetween is possible and probable.

You of all people should've learned the lesson on betting on the probable when betting on India to beat Pakistan in the CT17 final - or ruling out Pakistan from the competition after the first 2 results.

As they saying goes, it ain't over until the fat lady sings.

Are you comparing Pakistan winning the Champions Trophy after the first 2 results (loss against India, win against South Africa) to Liverpool surrendering the league after a lead of 25 points with 9 games to go?

And for the record, I was actually the first person on the forum to predict Pakistan going all the way during the South Africa match, because I got the WT20 2009 vibes.

However, there is absolutely no doubt that I expected Pakistan to be humiliated prior to the Champions Trophy, but luckily I am not a betting man otherwise I would have betted against Pakistan at the time and lost money.

Nevertheless, that is not the point anyway. The point is that mathematical possibilities mean nothing when they are not within reason.

It is also mathematically possible for a team to score 1,800 runs in an ODI by hitting all 300 deliveries for six. However, it can never happen realistically.

The fat lady has sung for Liverpool already and the whole world knows that they will lift the title.

The people who made a bet on Liverpool winning the league this season are celebrating already, and they haven’t received the money yet because Liverpool have not officially won the league yet.

Now that brings us to what should happen if the FA cannot continue with the matches which appears to be a likely outcome at this point.

Should the FA deny Liverpool the title because they not have officially won the league yet?

They could do it, but it will be grossly unfair and Liverpool and the fans would not take the decision lightly.

Furthermore, the clubs that are in contention for promotion will also not agree with the decision.

Whatever decision the FA takes, it will not be to everyone’s liking. However, what if very obvious is that they are definitely not going to make the entire season null and void.

Anyone who is hoping or expecting that to happen is setting himself/herself up for disappointment.

 

[MenInG]

Liverpool deserve it. I say this an as Arsenal fan so it does hurt but the truth could not be plainer!

 

[Technics 1210]

Are you comparing Pakistan winning the Champions Trophy after the first 2 results (loss against India, win against South Africa) to Liverpool surrendering the league after a lead of 25 points with 9 games to go?

And for the record, I was actually the first person on the forum to predict Pakistan going all the way during the South Africa match, because I got the WT20 2009 vibes.

However, there is absolutely no doubt that I expected Pakistan to be humiliated prior to the Champions Trophy, but luckily I am not a betting man otherwise I would have betted against Pakistan at the time and lost money.

Nevertheless, that is not the point anyway. The point is that mathematical possibilities mean nothing when they are not within reason.

It is also mathematically possible for a team to score 1,800 runs in an ODI by hitting all 300 deliveries for six. However, it can never happen realistically.

The fat lady has sung for Liverpool already and the whole world knows that they will lift the title.

The people who made a bet on Liverpool winning the league this season are celebrating already, and they haven’t received the money yet because Liverpool have not officially won the league yet.

Now that brings us to what should happen if the FA cannot continue with the matches which appears to be a likely outcome at this point.

Should the FA deny Liverpool the title because they not have officially won the league yet?

They could do it, but it will be grossly unfair and Liverpool and the fans would not take the decision lightly.

Furthermore, the clubs that are in contention for promotion will also not agree with the decision.

Whatever decision the FA takes, it will not be to everyone’s liking. However, what if very obvious is that they are definitely not going to make the entire season null and void.

Anyone who is hoping or expecting that to happen is setting himself/herself up for disappointment.

You didn't answer my question. Why don't bookies payout the winners now if Liverpool winning the EPL is a certainty? The answer is simple, Liverpool winning the EPL is not a mathimatical certainty, but is a high probability, and reality is reflected by the odds offered.

By the way, I dont care about Liverpool, just pointing out the fact that until a result is mathimatically concluded, then nothing is concluded.

 

[Yossarian]

Bury were kicked out of the league 'cos they could not complete all the fixtures.

As things stand, many lower league teams will go out of business no matter what., as there is no income coming in right now, but they still have overheads to pay,such as players wages, ground rents (in many cases), local taxes, repaying bank loans. Many were on the brink even before this crisis.

So the football league is going to be a mess anyway. How can you resume the Football Leage season and finish it when so many clubs won't even exist anymore and their results thus far wiped out?

If anyone seriously thinks that things would have 'normalised' sufficiently for clubs to resume playing in the next two or three months, then they're living in cuccoo land. How many top EPL players, and their families, will risk it? That's those who've not finished their club contracts anyway.

 

[Mamoon]

You didn't answer my question. Why don't bookies payout the winners now if Liverpool winning the EPL is a certainty? The answer is simple, Liverpool winning the EPL is not a mathimatical certainty, but is a high probability, and reality is reflected by the odds offered.

By the way, I dont care about Liverpool, just pointing out the fact that until a result is mathimatically concluded, then nothing is concluded.

Because there is a difference between a certain outcome and an official outcome. If you need 1 run to win with 10 wickets in hand and 100 balls to go, you are certain to win but you are not the official winner until you get that 1 run.

Is Liverpool the official champion yet? No

Is Liverpool certain to win the title? Yes

It is not a question of if but rather when, and thus, scrapping the season would be incredibly unfair and that is why it is not going to happen.

Regardless of what the FA does, Liverpool will be crowned PL champions for 2019-20. They will not even seriously think about denying Liverpool the title considering the amount of backlash they will inevitable face.

There is no chance of Liverpool taking it on the chin and to be fair, no one in their position will.

 

[Yossarian]

Are you comparing Pakistan winning the Champions Trophy after the first 2 results (loss against India, win against South Africa) to Liverpool surrendering the league after a lead of 25 points with 9 games to go?

And for the record, I was actually the first person on the forum to predict Pakistan going all the way during the South Africa match, because I got the WT20 2009 vibes.

However, there is absolutely no doubt that I expected Pakistan to be humiliated prior to the Champions Trophy, but luckily I am not a betting man otherwise I would have betted against Pakistan at the time and lost money.

Nevertheless, that is not the point anyway. The point is that mathematical possibilities mean nothing when they are not within reason.

It is also mathematically possible for a team to score 1,800 runs in an ODI by hitting all 300 deliveries for six. However, it can never happen realistically.

The fat lady has sung for Liverpool already and the whole world knows that they will lift the title.

The people who made a bet on Liverpool winning the league this season are celebrating already, and they havenÂ’t received the money yet because Liverpool have not officially won the league yet.

Now that brings us to what should happen if the FA cannot continue with the matches which appears to be a likely outcome at this point.

Should the FA deny Liverpool the title because they not have officially won the league yet?

They could do it, but it will be grossly unfair and Liverpool and the fans would not take the decision lightly.

Furthermore, the clubs that are in contention for promotion will also not agree with the decision.

Whatever decision the FA takes, it will not be to everyoneÂ’s liking. However, what if very obvious is that they are definitely not going to make the entire season null and void.

Anyone who is hoping or expecting that to happen is setting himself/herself up for disappointment.

As I've stated already, the EPL is BIG business. Total revenue of the EPL clubs for the season 2018/2019 exeeded £5Billion.

"Fairness", "deserving" are words that are meaningless to the club owners, accountants and laweyers. Especially when huge numbers are at stake. The owners are hard nosed businessmen, and they will make decisions based upontheir self interests, and arguments that their lawyers tell them are winnable if it gets to court. And nothing to do with "Liverpool deserving it", "it will be fair to give it to Liverpool" etc.,

Liverpool's only hope of winnng the the title is if somehow the 'season' gets completed, whenever that is.

As for clubs that are in contention for promotion to the EPL, they have no say in the matter. The EPL is owned by the 20 EPL clubs on an equal basis. They all have an equal vote. When clubs are relegated, itheir ownership rights are taken up by the promoted clubs.

Like I said before, the EPL is an English (and a bit of Welsh) club's tournament, played in England and Wales, and not in corruption ridden Pakistan where legal course is only meaningful if there's cash filled brown envelopes changing hands.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Footballers, and a manager, have been tested positive. Resulting in their entire team squads being in quarantine.
Players are worth many £10's millions each, with some squads worth many £100's millions.

If you are a Man City director would you risk playing against Chelsea (which is still to be played) until the situation gets better? Chelsea, who's had a player test positive and the whole squad under quarantine? Considering that football is a contact sport?

As a Man City footballer, would you be comfortable playing against Chelsea until you're sure none of the Chelsea players are infected?

You can bet that there will be more footballers, support staff, club/stadium employees etc. who will start showing symptoms and positive test results over the coming days and weeks. The situation's going to get worse, not better.

As for kids still going to school, well that is a decision by the govt. Not by the football authorities. Or by individual football clubs.

Even if Liverpool were already past the point where they could be mathematically caught, you still could not make them Champions if the season could not be completed. Read my posts above as to why not.

Liverpool fans rioting at Anfield, or elsewhere in Liverpool? Now there's a thought!

PL is very rich.

Test the players and officials, if ok play behind closed doors.

Its not that difficult to understand.

lol@ Villa fans wanting void, you will go dowm again next season so makes no difference.

There are more pressing issues now.

 

[MenInG]

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opinions?

 

[Yossarian]

PL is very rich.

Test the players and officials, if ok play behind closed doors.

Its not that difficult to understand.

lol@ Villa fans wanting void, you will go dowm again next season so makes no difference.

There are more pressing issues now.

You think (multimillionaire) players (or their families) will be comfortable playing under the circumstances?

Even for 'behind closed doors', there's a heck of a lot more people involved that just the officials and players, eg the dozens of tv cameramen and technicians.

When most western countries are starting to impose restrictions on movement, and telling people to stay home unless they have special documentation saying they're allowed to venture out, you're suggesting that clubs / footballers keep playing competition football games? Besides, it would not be long now before the UK also starts imposing restrictions on movement.

You do realise that 'playing behind closed doors' also involves extensive travelling, to/from training grounds and stadiums, by players, support staff, officials, tv crews, etc.

Seems as if many on here don't understand the full ramifications of what's unfolding.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You think (multimillionaire) players (or their families) will be comfortable playing under the circumstances?

Even for 'behind closed doors', there's a heck of a lot more people involved that just the officials and players, eg the dozens of tv cameramen and technicians.

When most western countries are starting to impose restrictions on movement, and telling people to stay home unless they have special documentation saying they're allowed to venture out, you're suggesting that clubs / footballers keep playing competition football games? Besides, it would not be long now before the UK also starts imposing restrictions on movement.

You do realise that 'playing behind closed doors' also involves extensive travelling, to/from training grounds and stadiums, by players, support staff, officials, tv crews, etc.

Seems as if many on here don't understand the full ramifications of what's unfolding.

Serie A has played games, its not that difficult. PSL is still going on in a poor counntry.

How many live football matches have you actually attended?

 

[Yossarian]

Serie A has played games, its not that difficult. PSL is still going on in a poor counntry.

How many live football matches have you actually attended?

Please follow the latest news. And please don't compare a 6 team tournament, with a turover of around £15million - £20million, played in a country like Pakistan, versus a competition with an annual income of over £5Billion pounds, and played in one of the G7 countries in Western Europe.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Please follow the latest news. And please don't compare a 6 team tournament, with a turover of around £15million - £20million, played in a country like Pakistan, versus a competition with an annual income of over £5Billion pounds, and played in one of the G7 countries in Western Europe.

You are reading but dont have experience of actually going to matches.

The Italian football federation is already making plans to complete their league by playing in empty stadiums and asking UEFA to postpone the Euro's which will likely happen. Premier league should do the same, it's not a major issue and the PL are considering this as I type.

 

[Yossarian]

You are reading but dont have experience of actually going to matches. .

You know what they say about those who make false assumptions based upon no knowledge whatsoever? Well you're a perfect example of that by making the above statement.

 

[shaykh]

You are reading but dont have experience of actually going to matches.

The Italian football federation is already making plans to complete their league by playing in empty stadiums and asking UEFA to postpone the Euro's which will likely happen. Premier league should do the same, it's not a major issue and the PL are considering this as I type.

Last time I read the Italian Football Federation were admitting that Serie A was unlikely to be completed this season...Rigani and Dybala have contracted the virus...5 others were confirmed a few days ago...

Considering the death tolls in Italy atm...and the fact that the country is in quarantine I would be shocked if any football get's played there for a long time...

If footballers weren't getting corona then the discussion was about behind closed doors...but with footballers getting the virus there frankly is no chance of games being played...

 

[KingKhanWC]

You know what they say about those who make false assumptions based upon no knowledge whatsoever? Well you're a perfect example of that by making the above statement.

You have no response. No problem.

Last time I read the Italian Football Federation were admitting that Serie A was unlikely to be completed this season...Rigani and Dybala have contracted the virus...5 others were confirmed a few days ago...

Considering the death tolls in Italy atm...and the fact that the country is in quarantine I would be shocked if any football get's played there for a long time...

If footballers weren't getting corona then the discussion was about behind closed doors...but with footballers getting the virus there frankly is no chance of games being played...

The Italian football federation has said it will ask for Euro 2020 to be postponed in the hope of being able to complete the Serie A season. “We will propose to Uefa the delay of the European Championship,” its president, Gabriele Gravina, told the SportMediaset television channel. “We will try to get to the end of this championship because it is fairer and more correct after the many investments and sacrifices of our clubs.” Uefa is holding an emergency conference call on Tuesday to discuss Euro 2020 and domestic leagues, among other topics.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...mier-league-title-won-empty-stadium-liverpool

Lets see what happens but they wouldnt be considering this in Italy if it wasnt feasable at all. UK PL could have played 2/3 matches by now if behind closed doors.

 

[Yossarian]

You have no response. No problem.

You obviously have a problem reading. Or perhaps difficulty comprehending. Probably both. Try reading my response again. Or perhaps get someone to read it and explain it to you.

https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...mier-league-title-won-empty-stadium-liverpool

Lets see what happens but they wouldnt be considering this in Italy if it wasnt feasable at all. UK PL could have played 2/3 matches by now if behind closed doors.

From the article (and link) you're referring to:

The Italian football federation has said it will ask for Euro 2020 to be postponed in the hope of being able to complete the Serie A season. “We will propose to Uefa the delay of the European Championship,” its president, Gabriele Gravina, told the SportMediaset television channel. “We will try to get to the end of this championship because it is fairer and more correct after the many investments and sacrifices of our clubs.” Uefa is holding an emergency conference call on Tuesday to discuss Euro 2020 and domestic leagues, among other topics

Note the words "ask", "hope" and "try". Heck of a lot different to "considering" and "feasable".

 

[KingKhanWC]

You obviously have a problem reading. Or perhaps difficulty comprehending. Probably both. Try reading my response again. Or perhaps get someone to read it and explain it to you.

From the article (and link) you're referring to:

Note the words "ask", "hope" and "try". Heck of a lot different to "considering" and "feasable".

lol.

They wouldn't be hoping or trying if they knew it would not be possible. They are keeping such options open because they want to finish the league. Italy has the most cases yet they havent gone off the idea of ending the season. They may do but at the moment they haven't made such a decision to end the season.

Look, you aint got a scooby doo about football, never been to games so just give up now. Lets see what happens. No point getting your knickers in a twist over football when the lives of your loved ones may be in danger.

 

[Yossarian]

lol.
Look, you aint got a scooby doo about football, never been to games so just give up now. Lets see what happens. No point getting your knickers in a twist over football when the lives of your loved ones may be in danger.

Whilst it's true that I don't go to many football matches nowadays, let's just say that for a few years I used to attend most home matches of a team that is known for playing in red (not Liverpool), albeit watching whilst comfortably seated in the company paid for corporate 'box' after having scoffed a decent meal at the company's expense.

 

[MenInG]

The Premier League is expected to reiterate its commitment to completing the season in Thursday's emergency board meeting held via conference call.

All games have been postponed until at least 4 April because of coronavirus.

But with the pandemic set to continue much longer than that, the league is expected to acknowledge there will be no action for several weeks after that.

The postponement of Euro 2020 has opened up a window for domestic leagues to be completed by the end of June.

But clubs are unlikely to put a definitive date on when they hope to resume the season, given the UK government has effectively banned sports events by advising against mass gatherings.

It is understood that if those restrictions on mass gatherings are not lifted, officials are open to the idea of staging matches behind closed doors in order to complete fixtures.

But no major decisions are anticipated at this stage if the season cannot resume, with one insider describing it as an "information-sharing and clarity meeting. Nothing concrete will come out of it."

There have been signs that the clubs are split on the issue of how the season should end.

Last week, West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady said the campaign should be declared null and void.

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke also expressed his concern that it may prove impossible for the season to be concluded.

However Brighton and Hove Albion chief executive Paul Barber told the BBC that it would be "unjust" if runaway leaders Liverpool were denied the title, and suggested increasing the league to 22 teams for 2020-21.

Club representatives will be shown expert modelling of various end-of-season scenarios at Thursday's meeting, and what the possible financial and legal ramifications of each would be.

But for now at least, there seems to be a determination to do everything possible to push for the season to be completed.

The Premier League held talks with the FA and the English Football League on Wednesday, and is known to be in dialogue with its broadcast partners and sponsors amid the threat of legal action on a number of fronts.

Sky and BT have declined to comment on reports that they could seek compensation totalling £750m if the Premier League breaches its £3bn domestic live television contract by not completing its fixtures.

Meanwhile, top clubs in the Championship are said to be ready to launch a legal bid if the season is abandoned and they are denied the opportunity of promotion.

The issue of players' contracts - many of which expire at the end of June - and the knock-on effect on next season if this one is extended by months, may also be discussed on Thursday, along with the financial impact of the crisis.

The Premier League is also coming under pressure to help support financiallystricken EFL clubs.

Julian Knight, chair of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) Select Committee told the BBC: "The strong rich Premier League clubs should come to the aid, wherever they can, of the grassroots of the game.

"Lower league clubs are lynchpins of their communities and local employers. We don't want what happened to Bury last year to occur in towns across the country."

On Wednesday, the EFL released a £50m short-term relief fund to help clubs with cash-flow issues because of the coronavirus outbreak. The fund includes the early release of award payments, and an interest-free loan facility.

In a letter to the 72 EFL clubs, seen by the BBC, EFL chief executive Rick Parry said: "Over the last week, the EFL has been in ongoing dialogue with the Government, through DCMS, aimed at securing a package of measures for our clubs... that would enable us to centrally co-ordinate support.

"While we do not have any certainty on this at this point, the Chancellor [Rishi Sunak] did at least provide some clarity with regard to professional football clubs."

Sunak has said that clubs will be eligible for business rates relief measures and grants that he announced as part of an emergency financial package.

He also said that there are now 2,000 dedicated HM Revenue & Customs officers ready to take the calls of businesses such as football clubs in order to provide a deferral for tax payments, and an agreed schedule for paying them back.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51954580

 

[MenInG]

Decision time soon for this - how will it end? (Prem League season)

 

[MenInG]

It would only be "fair" to award Liverpool the Premier League title if the season is not completed because of coronavirus, says Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

With football in England suspended until at least 30 April, Liverpool have a 25-point lead over defending champions City and are two wins from a first top-flight title in 30 years.

Asked if the Reds should be given the trophy if the season is cut short, Gudogan told German broadcaster ZDF: "For me, that would be OK, yes."

"You have to be fair as a sportsperson," the 29-year-old Germany international added.

Premier League clubs are due to meet on 3 April, when it is almost certain the current postponement until the end of April will be extended again. That will take it past the official end of the English Football League season and towards the last round of Premier League fixtures, which was supposed to be on 17 May.

Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football's governing body Uefa, said on Saturday the 2019-20 campaign could be lost if it cannot be restarted by the end of June.

Gundogan acknowledged football authorities faced a difficult decision because of the impact that cancellation of the season would have at both ends of the Premier League table.

"There are different opinions. For clubs who have had a very good season, it obviously wouldn't be nice if it was cancelled now," he said.

"On the other hand, for clubs who aren't doing as well and are maybe in the relegation places, an abandonment would obviously suit them."

Gundogan added that he would be prepared to take a pay cut if English clubs went down the route of Juventus and Borussia Dortmund in asking players to accept reduced wages so that other staff can be paid.

"Of course I think it's OK, that goes without saying - [but] there's been no discussion in England yet," he said.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52086371

 

[Yossarian]

It would only be "fair" to award Liverpool the Premier League title if the season is not completed because of coronavirus, says Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.

Most footballers aren't exactly imbued with knowledge about contracts and financial matters. I guess that's why many of them end up signing contracts that are worth less than their agents get as agents fees when they move clubs and.or sign new contracts. And why some of them end up broke a few years after retirement despite making many millions during their playing careers.

 

[Yossarian]

The Italian football federation is already making plans to complete their league by playing in empty stadiums and asking UEFA to postpone the Euro's which will likely happen. Premier league should do the same, it's not a major issue and the PL are considering this as I type.

How's all that (in bold above) going. Still think "it's not a major issue"?

You think (multimillionaire) players (or their families) will be comfortable playing under the circumstances?

Even for 'behind closed doors', there's a heck of a lot more people involved that just the officials and players, eg the dozens of tv cameramen and technicians.

When most western countries are starting to impose restrictions on movement, and telling people to stay home unless they have special documentation saying they're allowed to venture out, you're suggesting that clubs / footballers keep playing competition football games? Besides, it would not be long now before the UK also starts imposing restrictions on movement.

You do realise that 'playing behind closed doors' also involves extensive travelling, to/from training grounds and stadiums, by players, support staff, officials, tv crews, etc.

Seems as if many on here don't understand the full ramifications of what's unfolding.

Same again.

 

[big_gamer007]

I feel sorry for Liverpool and their fans, if the season is declared null and void it will be a stinker.

Liverpool deserves the title, I think whenever the Corona virus pandemic is over, before FA begins the new season first they should complete the current season.

 

[KingKhanWC]

How's all that (in bold above) going. Still think "it's not a major issue"?

Same again.

PL will re-start in July and complete in 4 weeks. Liverpool will be champions by completing all 38 matches, shame about no parade but it's great to hear the season will be completed. Sure you agree.

 

[Yossarian]

PL will re-start in July and complete in 4 weeks. Liverpool will be champions by completing all 38 matches, shame about no parade but it's great to hear the season will be completed. Sure you agree.

Oh, you are so funny.

 

[PetroDollars]

At this rate i dont think we will even see next season.

 

[MenInG]

Decision time coming soon. There has to be a decision and Liverpool deserve to be crowned.

 

[Uzi]

Decision time coming soon. There has to be a decision and Liverpool deserve to be crowned.

There is no doubt Liverpool would have been deserving champs, but I don't see how you can award them the title without actually winning it.

If they can't get the season back up and running it should be declared null and void.

 

[MenInG]

There is no doubt Liverpool would have been deserving champs, but I don't see how you can award them the title without actually winning it.

If they can't get the season back up and running it should be declared null and void.

Think they have shown enough this season to be marked as Champions.

 

[MenInG]

Interesting point of view by Mane!

===

With the Premier League being suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak, Sadio Mane stated that he will accept the fate if Liverpool are denied from winning the title.

Liverpool currently stands at the top of the points table and are just two wins away from winning the trophy for the first time in 30 years. However, the chances of the league resuming anytime sooner seems bleak and there are possibilities of the league getting suspended.

“I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would love,” Said Mane told in an exclusive interview to talkSPORT, adding, “with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.”

“It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world. Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it’s my dream and I want to win it this year. If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year.”

The Merseyside club were handed a boost on Tuesday with UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin stating that he could see “no way” that Juergen Klopp’s side could finish the season without the Premier League title.

https://indianexpress.com/article/s...gue/sadio-mane-liverpool-coronavirus-6353530/

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

This one divides opinion.

Never have sports been affected in such a way before.

Far from ideal if Liverpool are declared winners, despite their dominance at the top the table.

 

[The Viper]

Liverpool deserve to be champions.

I don’t think there is much of a chance of the season actually being voided. Too much potential lawsuits and it screws over many teams, not just Liverpool.

 

[MenInG]

Brighton owner Tony Bloom says he cannot see how clubs can be relegated from the Premier League if the season is not completed.

Friday’s meeting of the 20 top-flight clubs went through several scenarios to finish the campaign.

However, uncertainty still hangs over a season that has nine rounds to go.

"It would be very difficult to relegate somebody, particularly from the Premier League, if the season hasn’t played out," said Bloom.

In the 'scheduling model' possibilities looked at on Friday, the earliest would start on 8 June.

While it was not discussed as expected at that meeting, there are clubs who think 30 June should be the cut-off date for the season to end for contractual reasons.

It is now almost certain it will not be completed at that point and Bloom, whose side are 15th, two points above the drop zone, feels it would be wrong for clubs to lose their status without playing all 38 games.

European football's governing body Uefa is expected to confirm leagues will be allowed to end seasons prematurely when it meets on Thursday, although similar decisions have already been taken in some quarters.

Non-league football from tier three and below has been voided and in Scotland promotion and relegation has been decided on current places in leagues below the Premiership.

However, another way of deciding who finishes where would be on points-per-game average, although, in England, that would not change the bottom three and would lead to Bournemouth getting relegated on the slimmest of goal differences.

"It’s unfathomable that a team may lose out on 0.2 of a point based on points per game. Also, it does not take into account the strength of the teams you have played."

Some sides, including Brighton, have five home games left while others have four.

Any decision would require 14 of the 20 clubs to vote in favour and Bloom does not see that happening.

"I really cannot see the percent that would be needed voting for it," he said.

Even when the game restarts, major issues will be hanging over it.

One leading Premier League executive has privately ridiculed stories that have suggested transfers in excess of £100m may take place during what will be a transfer window, potentially of as little as three weeks, feeling it shows an ignorance of the financial issues being wrestled with.

Bloom rubber-stamped a club record £20m deal to buy defender Adam Webster from Bristol City last summer and kept hold of skipper Lewis Dunk, who was linked with a £45m move to Leicester.

In the current climate, he does not see such deals happening this year.

"I don't think the market will be nearly as active as in previous seasons," he said. "And the total transfers will be a very small percentage of what it has been in previous summers.

"The actual value of players has gone right down in all squads. There's no doubt if you were going to sell a player in the transfer window coming up and you were expecting to be getting £15m, you’re going to get less than that."


https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/52339058

 

[MenInG]

The Dutch have declared the season null and void - could the same happen in Premier League?

 

[KingKhanWC]

The Dutch have declared the season null and void - could the same happen in Premier League?

Still feel this is unlikely. Will be play-offs or a points-per-game system if season cannot be finished. Premier League is much bigger tham the Dutch league, TV deals worth over £700M will be held back if the season isnt finished.

 

[Yossarian]

Still feel this is unlikely. Will be play-offs or a points-per-game system if season cannot be finished. Premier League is much bigger tham the Dutch league, TV deals worth over £700M will be held back if the season isnt finished.

You mean you hope it's not made null & void and Liverpool are prevented from being crowned EPL champions for the first time..

Fact of the matter is that, to avoid lawsuits by any clubs relegated without the season being completed with all matches played, there are only two options,

1. Play the remaining games
or
2. Make the season null & void.

Just as some were blabbing on about continuing to play matches, even as recently as mid-March, those who think that the remaining fixtures can be completed, by the end of August say, are living in cuckoo land.

The latest govt views are that social distancing will be around for at least the rest of the year. A vaccine having been found, tested and produced in sufficient quantities is at least a year away. Taken together, it means that, even if the number of cases and death rates are drastically reduced by then, the virus has not gone away, it will still be infecting people, and people will still be dying due to the virus.

How will it look from a PR point of view if medical staff and ambulances are at matches on standby (which they have to be) in case a player gets injured? Whilst people, including medical staff, are still dying in crowded hospitals?

Furthermore, regardless of any tests carried out before matches, do you think these multimillionaire players are going to be willing to take the risk of being infected (or injured and ending up in hospitals with the risk of being infected) by going into tackles against opposition players?

Then of course, with an end of August finish say, you're disrupting the start of next season.

Whilst still problematic, making the season null & void is the least worst option.

 

[KingKhanWC]

You mean you hope it's not made null & void and Liverpool are prevented from being crowned EPL champions for the first time..

Fact of the matter is that, to avoid lawsuits by any clubs relegated without the season being completed with all matches played, there are only two options,

1. Play the remaining games
or
2. Make the season null & void.

Just as some were blabbing on about continuing to play matches, even as recently as mid-March, those who think that the remaining fixtures can be completed, by the end of August say, are living in cuckoo land.

The latest govt views are that social distancing will be around for at least the rest of the year. A vaccine having been found, tested and produced in sufficient quantities is at least a year away. Taken together, it means that, even if the number of cases and death rates are drastically reduced by then, the virus has not gone away, it will still be infecting people, and people will still be dying due to the virus.

How will it look from a PR point of view if medical staff and ambulances are at matches on standby (which they have to be) in case a player gets injured? Whilst people, including medical staff, are still dying in crowded hospitals?

Furthermore, regardless of any tests carried out before matches, do you think these multimillionaire players are going to be willing to take the risk of being infected (or injured and ending up in hospitals with the risk of being infected) by going into tackles against opposition players?

Then of course, with an end of August finish say, you're disrupting the start of next season.

Whilst still problematic, making the season null & void is the least worst option.

Liverpool will be crowned champions, I stopped hoping back in December when it was evident we will not only win the league but by a record points margin .

No lawsuits wlll take place in the premier league because it will be concluded before august , nearly almost certainly by playing it the remaining matches .

I’m sure the premier league will make the necessary arrangements , players should be fine , they are amongst the healthiest people in the country .

Btw do you like German football ? Bundesliga coming your way soon .

 

[shaz619]

Behind closed door games still may not work from the POV of maintaining distancing but what if each team completed their fixtures via penalties ? and maintained the relevant distance between each other and only allow necessary officials to facilitate it all. I feel penalties could be completed a lot more safely and also avoid the null and void option / calculations etc.

 

[RajBan]

Difficult to see how there will be any match before end of August. While there are talks for closed door matches , etc etc, don't think it will actually happen in England given the rate of infection and resultant casualty.

If no matches are played which probably should be clear in another 2-3 weeks , then legally again it's difficult to declare Champions in one division without doing the same thing in other. That means FA needs to take tough calls in relegation which is unlikey given the complexity and legal challenges it will face. Given that kind of context, the likely decision will be to call the season null and void.

 

[RajBan]

Liverpool deserve to be champions.

I don’t think there is much of a chance of the season actually being voided. Too much potential lawsuits and it screws over many teams, not just Liverpool.

Lawsuits - That's exactly the reason why the season will get voided. Given the environment no lawsuit will stand a chance if the season gets voided even though there will be financial implications. However any half cooked attempt to finish games will pose a bigger serious challenge not just legally but can even result in unravelling of the FA and the league due to the inherent risk.

 

[Uzi]

Null and void is probably the best option here. Purely because of the inevitability of Liverpool winning the league if fixtures resume.

On a more serious note, even if the lockdown measures are relaxed somewhat, without a vaccine and further risk of infection with another wave, it is probably not wise for football to go ahead. It is just a game and isn't worth that risk.

 

[Rana]

Null and void is probably the best option here. Purely because of the inevitability of Liverpool winning the league if fixtures resume.

On a more serious note, even if the lockdown measures are relaxed somewhat, without a vaccine and further risk of infection with another wave, it is probably not wise for football to go ahead. It is just a game and isn't worth that risk.

Getting sick of reading these softie comments!

These are professional sportsmen that have reached a level of athletic superiority due to a high level of fitness and health. Also they are financially strong enough to afford private tests and especially the antigen test which will be enough to clear them and get back to playing.

The financial implications of a season not ending are catastrophic, so think 100 times before producing a softie approach!

 

[MenInG]

If no games possible then Liverpool must be awarded the title

 

[Yossarian]

If no games possible then Liverpool must be awarded the title

Champions of what? If the season is made null & void, then it will be as if the 2019/2020 season never took place.

However, by making Liverpool champions, it means saying that there was a 2019/2020 season. In which case, what happens to the relegation places? Who gets relegated? You can't make separate rules for clubs at the top of the table versus those at the bottom. And if you say no one gets relegated, then what about the European cup competitions qualifications? Who qualifies?

No lawsuits wlll take place in the premier league because it will be concluded before august , nearly almost certainly by playing it the remaining matches .

I’m sure the premier league will make the necessary arrangements , players should be fine , they are amongst the healthiest people in the country .

For even a single match to take place, even behind closed doors, you need at the minimum 18 players per team (11 starters + 7 subs on the bench), both teams coaches and physios/medical staff. Referees/linesmen, tv camera crews, security, ground staff etc.

Now multiply that by around 170 matches (give or take), along with travel, hotels, and not forgetting training facilities. All spread over at least one month. Can anyone guarantee that with all that activity, everyone involved will remain infection free? If not, then we're back to social distancing for all those involved.

Even if matches are played behind closed doors, you'll still get id**ts congregating outside football grounds during matches.

And all of that just for starters, without even other complications like players whose contracts ended at the end of June, or situations like Liverpool's, where there is a change of shirt sponsor at the end of this season, ie end of June. The existing shirt sponsor will not be too chuffed if Liverpool were to win the EPL Champions trophy wearing the new sponsors kit.

So it's far too simplistic to say that matches will be played and finished before the end of August.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Champions of what? If the season is made null & void, then it will be as if the 2019/2020 season never took place.

However, by making Liverpool champions, it means saying that there was a 2019/2020 season. In which case, what happens to the relegation places? Who gets relegated? You can't make separate rules for clubs at the top of the table versus those at the bottom. And if you say no one gets relegated, then what about the European cup competitions qualifications? Who qualifies?




For even a single match to take place, even behind closed doors, you need at the minimum 18 players per team (11 starters + 7 subs on the bench), both teams coaches and physios/medical staff. Referees/linesmen, tv camera crews, security, ground staff etc.

Now multiply that by around 170 matches (give or take), along with travel, hotels, and not forgetting training facilities. All spread over at least one month. Can anyone guarantee that with all that activity, everyone involved will remain infection free? If not, then we're back to social distancing for all those involved.

Even if matches are played behind closed doors, you'll still get id**ts congregating outside football grounds during matches.

And all of that just for starters, without even other complications like players whose contracts ended at the end of June, or situations like Liverpool's, where there is a change of shirt sponsor at the end of this season, ie end of June. The existing shirt sponsor will not be too chuffed if Liverpool were to win the EPL Champions trophy wearing the new sponsors kit.

So it's far too simplistic to say that matches will be played and finished before the end of August.

I pointed out the Bundesliga which is ready to commence on May 9th . We have seen their response to the virus , the Germans aren’t Idiots . They will take everything into account as the link below outlines.

If the Bundesliga finishes , there is no reason the Premier League shouldn’t. Unless you feel Britain is governed by idiots , which I agree with making it a possibility. The premier league is run pretty well so if Boriss buffoons don’t interfere it will be fine .

Thousands of jobs & clubs very existence is under threat esp in English lower leagues. The peak will be over by June , time to get back to business . We will wait to see how the German league’s play out .


www.sportbible.com/football/n

 

[Yossarian]

I pointed out the Bundesliga which is ready to commence on May 9th . We have seen their response to the virus , the Germans aren’t Idiots . They will take everything into account as the link below outlines.

If the Bundesliga finishes , there is no reason the Premier League shouldn’t. Unless you feel Britain is governed by idiots , which I agree with making it a possibility. The premier league is run pretty well so if Boriss buffoons don’t interfere it will be fine .

Thousands of jobs & clubs very existence is under threat esp in English lower leagues. The peak will be over by June , time to get back to business . We will wait to see how the German league’s play out .


www.sportbible.com/football/n

First of all, lets see if it actually starts on the 9th May. Secondly, lets not compare the UK with Germany.
The UK has almost 21,000 .Covid-19 related deaths thus far. Germany has less than 6,000 deaths despite having a much larger population.

 

[KingKhanWC]

First of all, lets see if it actually starts on the 9th May. Secondly, lets not compare the UK with Germany.
The UK has almost 21,000 .Covid-19 related deaths thus far. Germany has less than 6,000 deaths despite having a much larger population.

What indications have you seen it won’t start in May ? The actual date may 9th or a week later is not important

Lol of course Germany is different , they are a competent intelligent nation. The reason for less deaths per population. Not that the virus prefers to kill the Brits. Therefore the premier league should follow the German model in June when the rate of daily deaths decreases significantly. I’m sure the premier league will , it’s not run by lying politicians .

Smaller clubs will perish otherwise. I’m not sure you understand how unique English football is . Lower league matches see crowds similar to some top tier clubs in Europe. Besides there’s likely to be a second wave according to many experts .

What is your proposal ? Allow clubs to go under & wait until a vaccine is ready ? Next year ?