Coronavirus: Football Discussion Thread

[tolmie's hairdoo]

I don’t think it would stop any of the premier league clubs surviving but agree that it will probably be the end for so many lower league clubs. I actually sadly can’t see a way out for them. The greed from the top was already making it so hard for them and this will probably be the final nail. The premier league will probably still have the main TV deal and then their could be PPV style set up on the extra games that will be broadcast. Maybe though due to the unique situation and the fact it will come down to a vote the cartel will not be able to enforce the PPV style to suit them and every game is just broadcast and the TV companies pay extra for this giving everyone a fairly even split for a year.

Long term it will play into the big clubs hands like everything does in the end because once the 3pm law is lifted it won’t be brought back which will mean even more money for the big clubs selling the rights once crowds are back in stadiums.

IPTV is suddenly looking like a big money saver.

Try blocking VPN's in the millions.

 

[creditunionhero]

UEFA are set to announce the dates for restarting the Champions League. Starting Aug 7-8, which is great, not.
The UK will likely be one of the last to come out of lockdown, which means our players will have less time to gain full fitness compared to other teams in Europe.

How can UEFA announce these dates when nations are not out of lockdown and people in the UK are still dying as they are, some of whom are football fans, have they no shame. ( Clearly not.).

They plan to play games every 3 days, yet do not seem to consider that some leagues may still be completing this seasons games at the same time?

 

[Norbiton]

UEFA are set to announce the dates for restarting the Champions League. Starting Aug 7-8, which is great, not.
The UK will likely be one of the last to come out of lockdown, which means our players will have less time to gain full fitness compared to other teams in Europe.

How can UEFA announce these dates when nations are not out of lockdown and people in the UK are still dying as they are, some of whom are football fans, have they no shame. ( Clearly not.).

They plan to play games every 3 days, yet do not seem to consider that some leagues may still be completing this seasons games at the same time?

So City will be unable to fulfil their fixture and Real Madrid will be awarded the tie.

 

[creditunionhero]

So City will be unable to fulfil their fixture and Real Madrid will be awarded the tie.

Of course.

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

No one wants to see matches behind closed doors but it seems the alternative is no football at all till the middle of next year (at the earliest). A total loss of any football for 12 months will destroy football finances even more, impact on the wider economy and destroy the careers of many players at all levels. Surely the pragmatic decision is to accept the situation as it is now not how we would like it to be? The sports industry (not just football) is very important to this country.

 

[Gorton_Tubster]

No one wants to see matches behind closed doors but it seems the alternative is no football at all till the middle of next year (at the earliest). A total loss of any football for 12 months will destroy football finances even more, impact on the wider economy and destroy the careers of many players at all levels. Surely the pragmatic decision is to accept the situation as it is now not how we would like it to be? The sports industry (not just football) is very important to this country.

I think behind closed doors will be the way forward for next season as long as it is for the whole season.

The last few games of this season though need to be played with the fans attending, for integrity and fairness. Otherwise just reset this season

 

[bobbyowenquiff]

I think behind closed doors will be the way forward for next season as long as it is for the whole season.

The last few games of this season though need to be played with the fans attending, for integrity and fairness. Otherwise just reset this season

I agree with all of this. I have been dismayed at the greed shown by the football authorities and the callous way they have behaved through this crisis. But when you take a step back it is clear that there must be a long-term plan for the whole country to start re-building itself and that includes the sports industry. In the short term I think we have to accept behind closed doors sport until such a time as we can start having spectators...perhaps initially under reduced capacities. The same would apply to live concerts etc.
None of this should happen though until we are confident that the country and the NHS has got control of this virus. We can't compromise on people's safety. We are not ready yet but I think there will be a time when the return of sport can help improve the country's morale.

 

[tonea2003]

I think behind closed doors will be the way forward for next season as long as it is for the whole season.

The last few games of this season though need to be played with the fans attending, for integrity and fairness. Otherwise just reset this season

sorry mate that just doesn't make sense, play with fans then go behind closed doors

 

[Gray]

We are not ready yet but I think there will be a time when the return of sport can help improve the country's morale.

Watching those Twats down the East Lancs Road winning the PL is in no way going to improve my morale.

 

[mrtwiceaseason]

I wonder " if" next season starts will we have the reverse of this, start behind close doors and finish with a crowd?