‘We just can’t insure against another virus but we are prepared’

PREMIER LEAGUE chief executive Richard Masters says insuring the top flight against a virus pandemic is impossible – but will rip up the rulebook in case it happens again.

Coronavirus has savaged football finances – and Premier League clubs all face huge hits to revenue from the

100-day suspension of the season.

But while tennis and Wimbledon are covered for a coronavirus wipe-out, insuring an entire football season is not feasible, says Masters.

Asked if the Premier League will be protecting themselves with a similar insurance policy, he said: “When you have a nine-month season, it’s very different to when you have a two-week extravaganza.

“The insurance approaches are very different. From my time in cricket, insuring a four-day Test match is very different to insuring a

380-match season.

“If you are asking if we have invested in insurance that would cover us in all eventualities for a future pandemic, no, that’s not been our approach.”

Despite that response, Masters (right) went on to insist clubs are taking precautions that collectively should suffice.

The ex-England cricket marketing boss added: “There are a number of insurance policies in place.

“We are confident that the model we have now put in place is insured.”

Masters is equally confident that by the start of 2020-21, the Premier League will have new rules to safeguard the integrity of the competition should, for whatever reason, a season not be completed.

One of the big problems of the last three months has been getting clubs to agree on how to resolve relegation – without another ball being kicked.

Masters reckons a written contingency plan to deal with this issue is essential.

Masters said: “In a rulebook that doesn’t deal clearly with curtailment, it’s imperative that the Premier League – and maybe across English football – sets itself up for next season and for the future.

“Because no one knows what the future holds, it’s right that these sort of instances are more clearly dealt with.”

With the Premier League and Championship back under way, it appears that huge minefield – and the threat of legal action from any wronged clubs – has been swerved.

As long as the current campaign is concluded, Masters does not envisage any lawsuits.

He is looking forward to maintaining the close contact with Premier League captains and coaches forged during the coronavirus crisis.

Welcoming the players’ impact and influence in supporting numerous causes, including the NHS and Black Lives Matter, Masters said: “The dialogue via the captains’ group has been really useful.”