PREMIER LEAGUE chiefs are under increasing pressure to CANCEL the entire season after announcing a three-week shutdown due to coronavirus.
An emergency meeting of the 20 shareholder clubs will be held next week following the unprecedented decision confirmed by a teleconference at League headquarters in West London.
Coronavirus is threatening to rain on Liverpool’s Premier League paradeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus on ThursdayCredit: Reuters
At least two club bosses want the campaign declared null and void, which would deny Liverpool — managed by Jurgen Klopp — a first title win since 1990.
League chiefs are determined to resume playing when possible and play through to complete the season.
But a growing number of clubs believe that there is little or no prospect of football returning for MONTHS and that there is no alternative but to annul the entire campaign and start from scratch in August.
They will argue that, at this point, nothing substantial in terms of the title, European places or relegation has been decided and that therefore nobody in the Prem would be able to prove they have suffered any loss by the decision.
A spate of confirmed cases of the virus, headed by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, forced emergency meetings of the Premier League, FA and EFL.
Shortly after 11am, all three bodies confirmed a shutdown until at least April 3.
Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow left the Prem meeting and was not sure when the season will finish. He said: “We have no idea, we hope so.”
The announcement came as Prem clubs dropped into crisis mode, with Everton’s squad all entering self-isolation after one player reported sick while Bournemouth keeper Artur Boruc was among five Cherries stars to have taken the same action.
But despite the hope that football can resume next month and a determination to play the season to a close, government advice could see matches off for the foreseeable future.
And while League bosses are confident of seeing off the rebellion this week, an extended shutdown – potentially deep into the summer – may force the worst-case scenario to become a reality.
The shutdown was confirmed by statements from all three governing bodies.
Prem bosses said: “The Premier League, FA, EFL and WSL have collectively agreed to postpone the professional game in England.
“Following a meeting of Shareholders, it was unanimously decided to suspend the Premier League with the intention of returning on 4 April, subject to medical advice and conditions at the time.”
Prem chief executive Richard Masters said: “Above all, we wish Mikel Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi speedy recoveries, and everyone else affected by COVID-19.
“In this unprecedented situation, we are working closely with our clubs, Government, The FA and EFL and can reassure everyone the health and welfare of players, staff and supporters are our priority.”
The decision means the postponement of the upcoming rounds of the Prem, EFL and the FA Cup quarter-finals.
An FA spokesman said: “The decision is being made purely on the number of cases requiring self-isolation and the impact on facilities.
“Given the steps being taken across clubs, there is no alternative.
“It will also apply to all England team fixtures at every level and all FA competitions including the FA Cup and the Women’s FA Cup, along with academy and youth-team matches.
“However, all parties are committed at this time to trying to complete this season’s domestic fixture programme and are liaising to establish appropriate options to do so.”
Premier League clubs are now on lockdown until at least April 3Credit: PA:Press Association
Despite the top four divisions closing down, non-league football is still set to go ahead this weekend.
The FA added: “Any decision to continue playing or to postpone their respective competitions is a matter for each league as autonomous bodies within the game.”
EFL chiefs, who also closed all academy and youth team fixtures, added: “Clubs are being advised to suspend indefinitely all non-essential activities which include, but are not limited to, player appearances, training ground visits and fan meetings.”
Sky Sports and BT Sport refuse to offer refunds to customers despite football being cancelled
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
