Former FA boss urges a solution
FORMER England supremo Adrian Bevington has urged FA and Premier League bosses to find a way to conclude the season – or risk chaos.
Bevington, the FA’s managing director of Club England between 2010 and 2015, is adamant administrators
map out a strategy to finish the current top flight and EFL campaigns amid the coronavirus crisis.
Football has been suspended by the authorities until April 4 when a further decision will be taken on whether to resume or remain in shutdown.
The likelihood is a further postponement with the Covid-19 pandemic set to escalate in the UK in the coming weeks.
But Bevington, 49, believes the No.1 priority is to find a solution to end the current campaign before considering the knock-on effects for next season.
“Clearly the overriding priority has to be the protection and safety of everyone, not just in football but in the whole country,” he said.
“But in terms of our sport, the focus must be on finding a formula to naturally conclude the season otherwise we will face total disarray.
“I’ve heard lots of theories and solutions put forward.
“But the one I don’t want to even contemplate is scrapping the season and making it null and void – that would lead to complete turmoil.
“Those in charge have to find a six-week period to get the season done before thinking about anything else.
“But the decision on Friday to suspend football was absolutely the correct course of action.”
MLS released a statement on Thursday saying matches were suspended for 30 days.
There are currently no plans to postpone or suspend any domestic football in Mexico.
The Super League was due to start in February, though that was delayed and they appear no closer to a new start date.
The Indian Super League ended yesterday as the final between Chennaiyin FC and ATK was played behind closed doors.
Some gamesin the Copa de la Superliga have been postponed, yet three went ahead last night behind closed doors.
The SPFL also announced on Friday the football season would be suspended but gave no date for its return.
France’s top two divisions were suspended immediately “until further notice” on Friday afternoon.
At least the next two rounds of matches are postponed. This comes after a Real Madrid basketball player tested positive for the virus.
It was originally announced that games would be played behind closed doors but just hours later they confirmed a full suspension for an indefinite period.