Cancelled competitions and games is only the start of a chain of events caused by coronavirus. The impact will be disruptive and transformational on the game with supporters looking to alternative activities and the impact on media and commercial sponsorships. It is hard to see how football can return to as it was as football clubs run out of money to become bankrupt with so many parties seeking legal redress to protect their interests.
The whole question of contracts for clubs, suppliers, sponsors, staff, players and even season card holders will become very messy unless kept out of the courts.
"Force majure" and "breach of contract" will come to the fore. Cash flow problems will make make businesses insolvent so unable to pay. Football is only one industry that will be affected by coronavirus but relies on supporter commitment so cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot. If football becomes tied in a complex legal issue then it is doomed as we know it.
FIFA, UEFA, FA, PL and EFL all need to come up with an agreed template for the industry to re-establish themselves at every level and deal with people as well as companies. For me, the solutions lie with the associations to give a lead but who knows the solution and outcome?
The whole question of contracts for clubs, suppliers, sponsors, staff, players and even season card holders will become very messy unless kept out of the courts.
"Force majure" and "breach of contract" will come to the fore. Cash flow problems will make make businesses insolvent so unable to pay. Football is only one industry that will be affected by coronavirus but relies on supporter commitment so cannot afford to shoot itself in the foot. If football becomes tied in a complex legal issue then it is doomed as we know it.
FIFA, UEFA, FA, PL and EFL all need to come up with an agreed template for the industry to re-establish themselves at every level and deal with people as well as companies. For me, the solutions lie with the associations to give a lead but who knows the solution and outcome?
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