BOTH domestic cups could be sacrificed next season — if football’s resumption is put on hold.
Premier League clubs were due to gather next Thursday for a scheduled “stakeholder” meeting, which was supposed to confirm plans for “thicker” VAR lines for 2020-21.
England’s domestic cups could be axed for a year because of coronavirusCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The meeting will still take place but as a teleconference.
And, while the main subject will be an update on when and in what form the Prem can resume, other discussions are expected. Those include the possibility of temporarily dispensing with the FA and Carabao Cup, if the 2020-21 calendar becomes too tight.
Yet the vast majority of clubs are squarely behind playing out this season to a finish and then starting next term as promptly as possible.
In addition, clubs recognise the FA and EFL would have to be offered large compensation payments to even consider truncating or cancelling their blue-ribbon events.
DOPE ON A ROPE
THE world’s top athletes have been warned that global drug-testing rules remain in place despite the coronavirus.
UK Anti-Doping admitted last week that testing programmes were being hugely cut back due to the virus.
UKAD chief executive Nicole Sapstead said: “We have reviewed our operational activity and are announcing a significant reduction in our testing programme.”
Some critics accused UKAD of giving a “green light” to drug cheats. But the World Anti-Doping Agency has now sent out a global question-and-answer list, insisting the fight for “clean sport” remains “front of mind”.
Athletes were told they are still subject to random tests but that if they are visited they should take safety precautions and stay two metres away from testers.
Those suffering from the virus or in self-isolation are advised to contact their national anti-doping organisation.
GENEROUS GIANNI
FIFA president Gianni Infantino removed his new showpiece Club World Cup from next year’s agenda.
Infantino, at odds with Uefa counterpart Aleksander Ceferin, cleared the way for Euro 2020 and the Copa America to be rescheduled by a year.
But Infantino expects Uefa to reciprocate when he offers a new date for the 24-team Club World Cup.
The Club World Cup has been removed from the scheduleCredit: AFP or licensors
FLAME GAME
THE Olympic flame will continue to burn in Japan even though the Games have been delayed.
Tokyo 2020 chiefs insisted it would remain lit as a beacon of hope and signal they plan to hold the multi-event showpiece next year.
UEFA will show “classic” Champions League matches on their website on the days fans would have expected to see live action: Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
All-time great Europa League games will feature on Thursdays. Past and present stars will also hold Q&A sessions.
ONE million Spanish viewers logged on to LaLiga’s charity Fifa 20 eSports tournament for a weekend football fix.
Real Madrid striker Marco Asensio was among 19 top-flight stars who took part. It was shown on social media.
Perhaps it ‘console-d’ fans amid the suspension.
Champions League and Europa League finals suspended indefinitely with no new dates set due to coronavirus pandemic
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
