Premier League and EFL chiefs meet to discuss coronavirus crisis and admit ‘difficult decisions’ will have to be made
PREMIER LEAGUE and EFL chiefs have admitted “difficult decisions will need to be made” about what to do with the rest of the season amid the coronavirus crisis.
A new statement has been released on behalf of the Prem, EFL and PFA indicating that leagues will not recommence until April 30 at the earliest.
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And they said tough choices will need to be made with regards the economic impact on football of Covid-19.
The statement read: “The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their Clubs, players, staff and fans.”
With the country in lockdown indefinitely, it is practically certain there will be no football by April 30.
The question, then, is what comes next?
The postponement will in all likelihood be extended, with debate raging on whether the season should be declared null and void, played to the end at the earliest opportunity, or ended in its current state.
A mathematical model which ranks the difficulty of each team’s remaining matches could be the fairest method.
The final decision will be made by the Premier League’s board – interim chair Claudia Arney, chief executive Richard Masters and director Kevin Beeston.
They will consult with all 20 clubs but the final decision will rest with the board.
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With regards to the Champions League and the Europa League, both are on hold, with their respective finals now postponed indefinitely.
There is also the possibility that to ease fixture congestion, the semi-finals and finals could be played as one tournament at the venue where the finals are scheduled to be played.
Euro 2020 has been postponed until 2021.