FIFA are reportedly set to extend the 2019/20 season indefinitely, handing domestic leagues the power to decide their own fate in the coronavirus pandemic.
Plans to alter the summer transfer window and dates regarding contract extensions are also to be announced in the coming 48 hours.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is reportedly ready to hand power to domestic leagues in the pandemicCredit: Getty Images – Getty
According to The Athletic, the decision over whether or not to cancel the Premier League season will therefore be made in England.
Given league bosses are highly aware of having to pay back over £750million in fees to broadcasters if the season is not completed, the chances of a null-and-void style cancellation is decreasing in likelihood.
Whether that means taking the final matches abroad, behind closed doors or waiting longer to ensure fans can attend is now likely to be the main topic of discussion.
That is because the pressure of a particular date or guideline forcing the hand of major leagues to finish the season will not be present.
And that will be music to the ears of Liverpool and their 25-point lead atop the Premier League, suddenly under threat were the campaign to be binned early.
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Whether the likes of Serie A also return to see out their season is less clear, with some Italian football leaders voicing their concerns at completing a fixture list containing as many as 13 games for some teams.
Belgian football has set in motion plans to cancel their campaign but Germany’s Bundesliga is determined to finish their calendar, according to Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.
In addition, cup competitions are in their latter stages and both the Champions League and Europa League have several matches that must be fit in.
Last week, Uefa cleared the way for domestic leagues to take precedent when play can be resumed.
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Premier League games set to be shown live on TV at 15:00 if season resumes after long-standing blackout lifted
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
