Mind as football looks at how it will move forward CREDIBLE Former FA chief in safety first call amid return bid
EXCLUSIVE
FORMER FA boss Adrian Bevington has warned football not to risk its credibility by losing sight of the big picture as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic. be aware of that. Protecting clubs from the harsh economic reality of the global damage caused by Covid-19 is, of course, important to us all in the game.
“We all want to see football played again in front of crowds as soon as possible.
“But protecting the integrity of football should be the biggest concern for all the game’s major stakeholders.”
The football landscape will be a different place post-coronavirus and Bevington, former head of recruitment at Middlesbrough, believes radical changes may have to be made to save lower league clubs in England and Scotland.
He said: “Maybe some clubs lower down might have to go part-time for a while to protect their futures.
“There could even be a case for divisions like League Two being split into North and South like in the past to save money.
“The longer the game is in lockdown the greater chance we won’t end up with 92 clubs at the end of it all, so big changes may have to happen because there will be a huge financial black hole.”
Bevington has always believed the best outcome would be for the season in England and Scotland to be played to a natural conclusion, even if it takes until the end of the summer.
But he accepts that may not be possible – and all that matters is the safety of its participants.
“It’s important we continue being guided by medical experts and the Government. They have to guide as they are doing in Germany and France,” Bevington said.
“Holland have null and voided their season but clubs are kicking back on that decision.
“France have declared the season over with PSG champions, European places assigned and clubs relegated on current standings.
“Null and voiding the season is the worst outcome and I hope it doesn’t happen here. After three quarters of the season wiping it all out would be shocking.
“But so too would relegating clubs if the season isn’t concluded naturally.
“I’d be more concerned with clubs being relegated and the harsh financial implications that brings than clubs being denied promotion or titles.
“The best scenario for me would be to try and get games played in a safe environment behind closed doors in a short space of time.
“Should that not be possible then maybe look at what has been done in other countries regarding solutions such as a points model.
“No solution will be ideal if leagues in England and Scotland can’t be concluded normally but a way has to be found.
“I just hope everyone remains flexible and open-minded. If not a difficult situation could become very messy with legal ramifications and arguments no one wants.”
‘Null and voiding the season is the worst outcome’