SKY and BT could be asked to show football matches for FREE if the Premier League bans fans from going to games due to coronavirus.
The Times claims broadcasters will be urged to continue screening events even if they are played in empty stadiums so supporters who had intended to go will still be able to watch.
Liverpool’s first-ever Premier League crown may be won in an empty venue with fans forced to watch on TVCredit: AFP or licensors
The report adds that the subscription TV channels attending a meeting with football, tennis, cricket and rugby officials on Monday believe there could be a request to make matches free-to-air.
Yet if such a ban on large gatherings is implemented, it could have the reverse effect with sports fans still watching games together in venues such as pubs.
Elsewhere in the emergency conference, the Premier League have drawn up contingency plans if the coronavirus continues to spread.
There have been 164 cases of the deadly bug in the UK and over 100,000 around the world.
Coronavirus has continued to have a huge impact on sporting events across Europe with matches in Serie A postponed or being played behind closed doors.
Italy’s Six Nations fixtures against Ireland and England will be played later in the year while the Chinese Grand Prix and the UAE cycling tour have also been suspended.
The Premier League have already announced that players will not be allowed to shake hands before kick-off as is tradition.
And SunSport revealed on Tuesday how Prem chiefs have sent letters to all 20 sides warning of the possibility of no fans in grounds to ensure the season is completed, with Newcastle manager Steve Bruce admitting such a situation is “inevitable.”
Should England follow Italy by playing four rounds of games without fans, ticket refunds and loss of matchday revenue will see clubs lose a combined £25m every weekend wiped out.
Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal rake in more than £4m from home games — while even the smaller top-flight sides collect a million.
Premier League BAN players from shaking hands before games amid coronavirus fears
Cancelling matches in Europe and the FA Cup over the coming weeks would add further losses, reaching a potential £100m deficit a month.
Meanwhile, Scotland Women’s Six Nations clash with France in Glasgow today is off after a home player contracted the virus.
She is being treated in a healthcare facility, while seven other players and staff are self-isolating.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
