Could the coronavirus end the Premier League season early?

Liverpool could be just days away from a first domestic championship in 30 years but what happens if the Premier League season never finishes?

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during a match

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reacts during a match Source: Getty Images

That prospect is still unlikely but it is not as far-fetched as it was just a week ago as the coronavirus outbreak takes a bigger toll on the world of football.

Football in Asia has ground to a halt and Europe is now slowing down with Italy cancelling Serie A games until April and La Liga playing fixtures behind closed doors.

The Premier League is not yet ready to follow suit. But that, however, is likely to change and soon.

“I think most fans and clubs would be happy to bow to medical experts on this, and if they decide it’s in everybody’s best interests to postpone matches or close stadiums then we will all have to accept it,” Leading Premier League pundit and former Arsenal player Adrian Clarke told The World Game.

“I do sense that there is now almost an inevitability that the English Premier League (EPL) will act, but here in the UK there is a reluctance to do it.”

The likes of South Korea, Japan and China have postponed their seasons but as the campaigns have yet to start or are at the very early stages, there is some breathing space.

What happens if you postpone a league indefinitely when there is less than two months to go? Suspension could become something more definite.

“The odds of the Premier League season being prematurely curtailed must surely be narrowing,” said Simon Chadwick, Professor of Eurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in Paris.

”It's too early to see this as the likely outcome, but one suspects that football will sooner or later have to confront the prospect.

"The sports calendar is already very packed, hence the opportunities for rescheduling are minimal. Indeed, the deeper we get into March and April, the more likely it is that curtailment will happen.”

Liverpool are on course for the Premier League title to end that three decade wait. It is a matter of time with the Reds currently 25 points clear of Manchester City and it could even happen next Tuesday (AEDT) against local rivals Everton. The prospect of the season not finishing could lead to chaos.

“It has to be regarded as a possibility if coronavirus becomes an even bigger threat to human life,” Clarke said.

”Getting all the clubs and authorities to agree to this would be so problematic though, not least because of the financial implications at stake. If the season was to end after 30 matches for example, leaving certain teams out of the Champions League places, there would potentially be uproar.”

Chadwick has some sympathy for the Premier League and other bodies that would be involved in making the call.

“If cancellation was to happen, there would be both competition and legal ramifications," Chadwick said. 

"How can a decision be made? Who would win the league? Who may or may not get relegated and promoted? This would cause major legal issues, which explains why the Premier League will try to leave any such decisions as late as possible.

“The football authorities are in an invidious position: if they cancel leagues without a winner, then the likes of Liverpool and Leeds will complain and possibly take legal action.

"If, however, leagues were to be stopped and trophies awarded to Liverpool and Leeds, then Manchester City and Fulham would no doubt take action.

"In addition, broadcasters, sponsors and other stakeholders would all be questioning any such decisions and might pursue legal action against leagues and governing bodies.

"As such, it is essential for the Premier League and others, including the government, to take a lead in seeking a collaboratively agreed solution.”

It is not just about title-chasing Liverpool or promotion-chasing Leeds. No games or no fans would hit the bottom line of clubs further down the pyramid.

“My fear is that the smaller clubs in the English Football League (EFL) will be in big financial trouble if matches are played behind closed doors,” Clarke said.

”These institutions are financially reliant on ticket sales and it would not take long before many were unable to pay their staff and players. For this reason, and until the Government steps in, I do not see football in this country making a snap decision to ban fans.”

As such, Clarke sees authorities doing whatever is necessary to get everything finished.

“I see an extension to the season, going into early summer, more likely rather than a sudden cancellation.

"The EPL and EFL in extreme circumstances could pause the season and pick it up as soon as they are permitted to do so. That would be the most palatable way of dealing with the crisis. If it means cancelling the summer break then clubs would accept it I believe.” 

That would likely mean the postponement or cancellation of the European Championships, due to take place in 12 different countries from June 12 to July 12.

“If various destinations around Europe are still on lockdown then it cannot go ahead clearly. Postponing it until 2021 is not ideal but we have to consider it a very real possibility now.”


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
5 min read
Published 11 March 2020 11:32am
By John Duerden

Share this with family and friends