Coronavirus effect on football

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/de-bruyne-man-city-fixtures-18028187  - sounds more like he just thinks it might have to finish early, which doesn't necessarily mean it'll be cancelled.

At the end of the day, they can have their opinion but it won't affect the final decision.

I think there's a difference between cancelling a global event and football in one country.

IMO to cancel the Olympics is just common sense.
To cancel footy that can be played behind closed doors is a bit different.

Agreed about that,  personally clutching straws, we might get league football, possibly back behind closed doors throught summer months, but I can see the European games being held back as certain countries may still have closed borders etc.

We're gonna need something soon when the boredom really kicks in and the fact the majority of tv is full of sh*t

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/de-bruyne-man-city-fixtures-18028187  - sounds more like he just thinks it might have to finish early, which doesn't necessarily mean it'll be cancelled.

At the end of the day, they can have their opinion but it won't affect the final decision.

End of the day footy journo's have got F**k all to write about, so this is what sport news will look like for the next few weeks, utter click bait.

He's just trying to get a rise out of you Keith.

It's his M.O.

Simply no cause for it though swabs, I've been nothing but respectful in all my post and not resulted to abuse in any shape or form. It saddens me because I always thought we got on despite me being a manc.

Premier League footballers should "take a pay cut and play their part" during the coronavirus pandemic, says health secretary Matt Hancock.

Some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players' wages.

"Given the sacrifices many people are making, the first thing PL footballers can do is make a contribution", Hancock said at the daily government briefing.

The Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) said "players will have to share the financial burden".

More to follow.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/52142267

Imagine calling for the season to be cancelled when the new one isn’t even meant to start for over 4 months.
 
If only we could cancel work for 4 months and get full pay.

Simply no cause for it though swabs, I've been nothing but respectful in all my post and not resulted to abuse in any shape or form. It saddens me because I always thought we got on despite me being a manc.

Don't take it personally Keith.
We all know you're a decent fella for a manc

He just used you as a target of opportunity to try and cause some sh*t.

F**k Harry Kane and now De Bruyne the ginger tw*t asking for season to be null and void. Always knew Harry was a c**t surprised about Kevin though.

I haven't even f***in started on you yet. I may have been away for a year but your time will come mancy boy. 😁

Not got a clue what your on about lad.

F**k Harry Kane and now De Bruyne the ginger tw*t asking for season to be null and void. Always knew Harry was a c**t surprised about Kevin though.

I know it's really pissing me off, these and other desperate bas**rds trying to stop us winning the league. All the players and pundits.. No sorry, pricks may have some sort of point or argument but it's the fact that they're all talking about restarting the season. I don't understand the obsession to cancel the season but get the new one started? How can they know how long we'll be out of action? They don't they want to squash our outstanding season, one thing for sure if and when we win it it'll be the toughest one we've ever won..

I know it's really pissing me off, these and other desperate bas**rds trying to stop us winning the league. All the players and pundits.. No sorry, pricks may have some sort of point or argument but it's the fact that they're all talking about restarting the season. I don't understand the obsession to cancel the season but get the new one started? How can they know how long we'll be out of action? They don't they want to squash our outstanding season, one thing for sure if and when we win it it'll be the toughest one we've ever won..

A lot of them are just doing it to hear themselves speak, by claiming that the season should end they know they're going to stand out more. If we can start a new season, we can finish this one, and I think we will finish it eventually.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
UEFA, ECA and Euro Leagues have written to their members tonight to tell them a concrete plan to bring games back in July/ August will be devised by mid-May. "Stopping competitions should really be the last resort" is the main message.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
One of the scenarios envisages playing remaining European games once domestic leagues have been played to a satisfactory finish. So Champions League not before August, if at all.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
There is clear annoyance at unilateral decision of Belgium to end league season which still has one game to go, and also the Netherlands for placing a deadline. "Any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at  this stage, premature and not justified," the letter says

tariq panja@tariqpanja
Timing of letter interesting given several European leagues have calls with their clubs about next steps in the next 24 hours.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
Also a reminder to those that want to void season that it's UEFA that decides who plays in its competitions and nobody else.



UEFA aims for July restart for leagues, wants them completed

By ROB HARRIS
13 minutes ago

A European plan is being formed to resume football around July and August, with domestic leagues told Thursday not to abandon competitions yet due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The determination to ensure competitions are “decided on the field” to protect their integrity was outlined in a letter that was obtained by The Associated Press. It was signed by the heads of UEFA, the European Club Association and European Leagues body and was being sent to their members.

The correspondence was issued hours after the Belgian topflight became the first major European competition to recommend ending its season with the current standings declared final.

“We are confident that football can restart in the months to come — with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities — and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, ECA chairman Andrea Agnelli and EL president Lars-Christer Olsson stated in their letter.

Competitions, including UEFA’s Champions League and Europa League, were put on hold last month as the COVID-19 outbreak spread across Europe and governments imposed lockdowns, banning sports gatherings.

UEFA working groups have been assessing the legal, regulatory and financial issues caused by the abrupt halt to football and formulated plans to resume competitions beyond the planned completion of the 2019-20 seasons by June 30 when it is safe to do so.

“Their work is now focusing on scenarios encompassing the months of July and August, including the possibility that the UEFA competitions restart after the completion of domestic leagues,” read the letter sent to leagues, clubs and national associations. “A joint management of calendars is strictly required as the conclusion of the current season must be coordinated with the start of the new one, which may be partly impacted because of the overstretch.

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

Halting leagues without approval from UEFA could see teams blocked from qualifying for the Champions and Europa Leagues as they are determined based on final positions in domestic standings.

“It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results,” the letter states. “As responsible leaders in our sport, this is what we must ensure, until the last possibility exists and whilst planning, operational and regulatory solutions are available.”

European leagues are planning to hold a conference call to discuss the letter on Friday. The 20 English Premier League clubs are also meeting by video conference on Friday to discuss plans to complete the campaign, with teams having nine or ten games left to play.

In Belgium, Brugge is 15 points ahead of second-place Gent but still with one game to go before the season-ending playoffs. The Belgian league announced earlier Thursday that Club Brugge would be awarded the title if the plan to end the season was confirmed at a general assembly meeting on April 15.

But that scenario could see Brugge denied a place in the Champions League and miss out on at least 30 million euros ($33 million) in cash from UEFA.

“Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfillment of such condition,” the letter by the European football officials said, without mentioning the situation in Belgium.

“UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions, in accordance with the relevant applicable competition regulations. We know how much you share with us the core values of our sport and feel your support in our mission to protect the integrity of its competitions.”

Worldwide the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections rose beyond 1 million on Thursday, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, with Europe the hardest hit continent.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The pandemic has wiped out sport across the planet, with governing bodies postponing events in quick succession in recent weeks — even the Tokyo Olympics that were due to start in late July.

UEFA’s executive committee decided Tuesday to indefinitely postpone national team matches that had already been rescheduled once to June, including playoff qualifiers to complete the 24-team lineup for the European Championship. The tournament was due to be staged in 12 European nations in June and July but UEFA was forced last month to push it back a year to 2021.

https://apnews.com/b9021e2a93599423bd60d43b56f6a798

tariq panja@tariqpanja
UEFA, ECA and Euro Leagues have written to their members tonight to tell them a concrete plan to bring games back in July/ August will be devised by mid-May. "Stopping competitions should really be the last resort" is the main message.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
One of the scenarios envisages playing remaining European games once domestic leagues have been played to a satisfactory finish. So Champions League not before August, if at all.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
There is clear annoyance at unilateral decision of Belgium to end league season which still has one game to go, and also the Netherlands for placing a deadline. "Any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at  this stage, premature and not justified," the letter says

tariq panja@tariqpanja
Timing of letter interesting given several European leagues have calls with their clubs about next steps in the next 24 hours.

tariq panja@tariqpanja
Also a reminder to those that want to void season that it's UEFA that decides who plays in its competitions and nobody else.



UEFA aims for July restart for leagues, wants them completed

By ROB HARRIS
13 minutes ago

A European plan is being formed to resume football around July and August, with domestic leagues told Thursday not to abandon competitions yet due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The determination to ensure competitions are “decided on the field” to protect their integrity was outlined in a letter that was obtained by The Associated Press. It was signed by the heads of UEFA, the European Club Association and European Leagues body and was being sent to their members.

The correspondence was issued hours after the Belgian topflight became the first major European competition to recommend ending its season with the current standings declared final.

“We are confident that football can restart in the months to come — with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities — and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified,” UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, ECA chairman Andrea Agnelli and EL president Lars-Christer Olsson stated in their letter.

Competitions, including UEFA’s Champions League and Europa League, were put on hold last month as the COVID-19 outbreak spread across Europe and governments imposed lockdowns, banning sports gatherings.

UEFA working groups have been assessing the legal, regulatory and financial issues caused by the abrupt halt to football and formulated plans to resume competitions beyond the planned completion of the 2019-20 seasons by June 30 when it is safe to do so.

“Their work is now focusing on scenarios encompassing the months of July and August, including the possibility that the UEFA competitions restart after the completion of domestic leagues,” read the letter sent to leagues, clubs and national associations. “A joint management of calendars is strictly required as the conclusion of the current season must be coordinated with the start of the new one, which may be partly impacted because of the overstretch.

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

Halting leagues without approval from UEFA could see teams blocked from qualifying for the Champions and Europa Leagues as they are determined based on final positions in domestic standings.

“It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results,” the letter states. “As responsible leaders in our sport, this is what we must ensure, until the last possibility exists and whilst planning, operational and regulatory solutions are available.”

European leagues are planning to hold a conference call to discuss the letter on Friday. The 20 English Premier League clubs are also meeting by video conference on Friday to discuss plans to complete the campaign, with teams having nine or ten games left to play.

In Belgium, Brugge is 15 points ahead of second-place Gent but still with one game to go before the season-ending playoffs. The Belgian league announced earlier Thursday that Club Brugge would be awarded the title if the plan to end the season was confirmed at a general assembly meeting on April 15.

But that scenario could see Brugge denied a place in the Champions League and miss out on at least 30 million euros ($33 million) in cash from UEFA.

“Since participation in UEFA club competitions is determined by the sporting result achieved at the end of a full domestic competition, a premature termination would cast doubts about the fulfillment of such condition,” the letter by the European football officials said, without mentioning the situation in Belgium.

“UEFA reserves the right to assess the entitlement of clubs to be admitted to the 2020/21 UEFA club competitions, in accordance with the relevant applicable competition regulations. We know how much you share with us the core values of our sport and feel your support in our mission to protect the integrity of its competitions.”

Worldwide the number of confirmed COVID-19 infections rose beyond 1 million on Thursday, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, with Europe the hardest hit continent.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The pandemic has wiped out sport across the planet, with governing bodies postponing events in quick succession in recent weeks — even the Tokyo Olympics that were due to start in late July.

UEFA’s executive committee decided Tuesday to indefinitely postpone national team matches that had already been rescheduled once to June, including playoff qualifiers to complete the 24-team lineup for the European Championship. The tournament was due to be staged in 12 European nations in June and July but UEFA was forced last month to push it back a year to 2021.

https://apnews.com/b9021e2a93599423bd60d43b56f6a798

Resuming current season in July or August you say?

A 20 game season is not normal. The broadcasters have paid out for a 38 game season, and they will expect it to be honoured.

There is no time limit, to get this season done. We hope to resume in June/July, but may have to wait until September/October. Either way, the remaining games will feel like we're playing a summer season. After the season ends, there should be a month long break until the start of next season, so fixture lists and other logistics can be devised and arranged. Then a normal 38 game season can continue.

I don't know what they're going to do with the European Competitions. With so many games left in both, there is a strong possibility that they will be scrapped. I think the Nations League will be scrapped. Something has to give.

"Normal?"  Normal?!?!?! Where I live, 10 million people have lost their jobs in two weeks. 1,000 people died here yesterday. Normal has left the building . All the companies who sponsor football are taking huge hits.as well. Don't assume they are all going to be able to keep paying at the same rate, if at all. A shorter season in 20-21 may go with reduced sponsorships and orize money.

This season has been paid for however and should be completed when the teams come back. It will no doubt be celebrated as society reborn and all that.

We will have gone without football from early March through June so no need for a month-long break between seasons. They can plan the season now and just plug in the promo/rel teams on the run. It's not normal, but we'll be learning a new normal it appears

https://twitter.com/David_Ornstein/status/1246077164597854213

It's behind a paywall, but Henderson is organising a PL charity fund that will raise millions - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/henderson-organising-premier-league-coronavirus-fund-for-nhs-jlh53t7dp

Jordan Henderson is organising a Premier League coronavirus crisis fund for the NHS that will run into millions of pounds.

The Times understands that the Liverpool captain has spent the last few days contacting the captains of other Premier League clubs to pitch the idea.

The initiative being led by the England international pre-dates the scathing comments made by Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who called upon top-flight footballers to “play their part” during Thursday’s government crisis briefing.

Talks with Premier League captains were continuing today and the initial reaction has been wholly positive, with players determined to raise cash for those on the frontline. Indeed the players are happy to engage with Hancock and his department despite the criticism they have received. They will seek NHS and government guidance on how best the money can be distributed to combat the global pandemic.

Contact has already been made with banks to set up the fund, which footballers will simply be asked to contribute to on the understanding that there is a wide variation of salaries across the Premier League.

The prospect of players from all 20 club making a contribution could raise millions of pounds, with public donations also welcome.

This initiative will be kept separate from any potential decisions clubs have to make on wage deferrals or even cuts, depending on how long football remains suspended.

Henderson is not looking to take any credit for this. Indeed he was said to be frustrated that news of the plans had emerged prior to the fund being created. Sources close to the player insist he simply wants to use what influence he has to support NHS workers and the wider community.

Premier League clubs remain hopeful of reaching an agreement on player wage deferrals today despite an apparent impasse with the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA).

Top-flight players are coming under increasing pressure from the government after four Premier League clubs — Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City and Bournemouth — moved to place non-playing staff on furlough.

“Given the sacrifices many people are making, the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution,” Matt Hancock, the health secretary, said yesterday.

But after days of discussions between the Premier League, the Football League and the PFA to find a resolution regarding player contracts during the crisis, the players’ union issued a statement that failed to even acknowledge the calls from politicians or declare any desire to make a contribution. Instead there was an accusation that clubs are trying to pressure players into contributing towards the wages of non-playing staff for the benefit of shareholders.

The source of the problem remains Tottenham’s decision to place 550 staff members on furlough on the day they announced £173 million in profits and £7 million in salary and bonus payments for their chairman, Daniel Levy.

But the PFA statement did say that they had not blocked possible wage deferrals for players and there remains a desire to work towards a solution at a shareholders meeting for the 20 Premier League clubs today that could lead to players accepting a deferral of their wages for a certain period.

Only if the economic impact of the pandemic worsens could it become necessary to consider wage cuts for players with watertight employment contracts.

The statement from a union that is still being run by Gordon Taylor did the players no favours last night. Taylor announced 12 months ago that he would stand down once an independent review into his organisation, which is also being investigated by the Charity Commission, had been concluded.

“Contrary to some press reports the PFA has never stated that it will block all wage deferrals,” the statement said. “What we have sought to put in place is a structured and unified approach to ensure a fair response across the leagues.

“Each club’s financial standing will vary. We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that, as businesses, if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should. Any use of the government’s support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.

“We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the wider game.”

A number of Championship clubs are considering placing their players on furlough amid concerns that they could soon be struggling to pay their wage bills. One chief executive from the Championship fears as many as “18 of the 24” clubs in English football’s second tier could be in serious financial trouble within weeks.

Lots of talk about cancelling this season but why not cancel next season?
Return have pre season August, then can spread out remaining fixtures starting September, the remaining league games, the play offs, FA Cup, have no midweek domestic games but European games could be on even if they were restructured as their play-offs starting late. 16 weekends or thereabouts to finish the season. Then in New Year introduce a UK/GB Cup on a nation's league basis to give everyone a set minimum number of games, then play offs and a final. Then in to the Euros summer 2021. This season finished with no drama.

I think the easiest solution is to finish this season when the virus allows and then just have what would effectively be a half season with each team only paying each other once, with home and away games being chosen randomly by computer. Won't make any difference to us, we win everything home and away anyhoo.

We could be double champions within the space of six months.

This is the solution for me Exiled 

Looks like the Premier league are asking players to take a 30% wage cut to help protect jobs.The PL will advance £125m to EFL and give £20m to NHS.

Looks like some clubs have jumped the gun and laid off staff. The word "furlough"is being bandied about..camelflage.. I think if they lay staff off without pay..they should say so.

I'd be pissed off with football if the players...and the owners, if they don't make a serious contribution.

PL players should agree to a 30% reduction to help the clubs. And then donate 60% to the NHS. They'll still be loaded.

Well, if anyone needed reminding what we have been missing, it was on Sky Sports tonight.
Just watched the full match of when we beat Newcastle 4-3, what a game what a atmosphere.
Roll on the return.................

Well, if anyone needed reminding what we have been missing, it was on Sky Sports tonight.
Just watched the full match of when we beat Newcastle 4-3, what a game what a atmosphere.
Roll on the return.................

Tyler is a w**ker but boy he nailed that last minute commentary

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

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

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

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

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

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