Clubs told: Mind your language on void season
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been warned not to use the phrase ‘null and void’ when discussing contingency plans for the rest of the season as fears grow the campaign will be scrapped.
Sportsmail can reveal instructions from Premier League HQ have gone out telling clubs to use the word ‘curtailed’ instead when discussing the worst-case scenario of a cancelled season. This is because it will provide more legal protection against broadcasters seeking a rebate on the top flight’s £3billion annual television deal. With a quarter of the season to play, Sky Sports, BT Sport and overseas broadcasters will demand a partial refund if it is not finished, although compensation clauses in the contracts are not pro rata, so they are not necessarily entitled to a fixed percentage of their outlay. Moreover, in the event of an abandoned season the Premier League would argue that the
games during the finale. One source at a Championship club said: ‘The scheduling is what it is, and everyone will be in the same boat. But it plays into the hands of those clubs who have deeper squads.’
One way of easing the schedule would be to extend the season into July, though clubs are keen to avoid that. Such a scenario would probably mean the start of next season is delayed until September to give players an adequate break.
Meanwhile, the Premier League and TV companies have discussed screening games every day over a six-week period. Top-flight chiefs will consider their next moves at a meeting with club executives next week. Some clubs fear it will be another two months before they resume and they have discussed how they will manage the fitness of their players who are training at home.
Some have floated the idea of giving players an extended break now before returning with a mini preseason ahead of a restart. So far 54 Premier League matches that had been scheduled in March and April have been postponed. A further 30 are due to take place in May. The total of 84 matches leaves enough games outstanding for broadcasters to be able to show at least one every day over a month and a half.
Sky and BT Sports would also have the option of staggered kick-offs and using the red button facility on days when more than one match is being played to ensure every game is screened.
As reported by Sportsmail yesterday, that could include showing games on Saturdays at 3pm, which has previously been banned. Although there are fears the plan places too much strain on players, the idea of having matches every day would be popular with supporters after a frustrating period of inactivity.
Making every game available for subscribers on TV may also help prevent fans congregating outside stadiums to cheer on their teams if games are behind closed doors.
The Premier League are determined to complete the season and fulfil the obligations of their £3billion TV deal. Not doing so could result in broadcasters pursuing money back for the games they have not been able to show, worth up to £750million across the divisions.