CandH Exclusive by Hugh Southon
West Ham insiders don’t believe there is any chance of the season being nulled and voided – nor do they believe there will be no relegation from the Premier League.
And there’s one very good reason for that – the TV companies.!
Already Sky and BT are looking for a televised return to action around June/July but should the season be played out with nobody facing the drop it would kill viewing figures.
One CandH source explained on the ‘phone: “ They don’t pay millions and millions to broadcast games which are meaningless and that’s why there is no serious chance of a no relegation rule being brought in once we return.”
We reported yesterday that several club chairman were hoping to get such a proposal accepted but the TV firms would almost certainly mount a strong veto.
The chairmen behind the idea felt that with no relegation and two promoted from the Championship, the PL could operate over the next season as a 22 team division with four being relegated in the 20/21 season.
But with Sky and BT looking for a big climax to this season when it happens that looks unlikely to get through.
Another reason why the 2019/20 campaign needs to be abandoned or finished as is. For different reasons, I think other high level, high profile sports have been settled on the basis of not being totally complete. I’m sure Golf has at times finished after 3 of 4 rounds being played with some players not completing even the 3 rounds due to weather.
And I think Sky snd BT paid the millions based on the hope that the exciting haves would come at the end.. but as in any sport, that cannot be guaranteed.
If this season runs into next, would that then mean less games next season… and both Sky and BT getting less for their money anyway. Surely if anyone tries to take out a court case based around the current events, then all judges would surely throw the case out on the basis of An act of god, etc.
I can’t see how the TV firms can have any say in this, in all honesty we’re not going to finish the season by June 30th i think that’s a given. Even if all games were played behind closed doors. If one player gets diagnosed with coronavirus the whole team would have to self isolate for 2 weeks it’s just not plausible.
If West ham was in the top half of the table we wouldn’t be having this debate
I didn’t appreciate that “TV money” and finishing the season a major priority at the moment. I stupidly assumed keeping people safe was? I think Mr Sky and Mr BT can go stuff themselves.
If this Virus doesn’t abate or show signs of peaking then all the debating will be pointless anyway . There would be no choice other than to null & void the season eventually .
Hopefully it won’t reach that stage but the signs are bad . All this determination to see out the season no matter what seems rather rash imo .
It will peak and as George Harrison sang: All things Must pass
Nice reply ; “ My Sweet Lord “ also springs to mind . 🤞🙏
Asa Christian I agree Kevin
Virus aside for one minute.Do the TV companies not realise that thousands and thousands of football supporters are missing watching football and by the time the “all clear” comes will be gagging to watch a game or 2.
When the “ All Clear “ arrives I will be gagging to travel and see my Family who Are spread all over the COUNTRY & World . Football will be on a back burner for me . But fully understand your sentiment , westhamsteve .
George Harrison also sang ‘End Of The Line’ with The Travelling Wilburys.
How the hell are players going to play football? Impossible to tackle anyone while observing ‘social distancing’.
The season is finished whatever Sky and BT want.
Things are on the down in Italy after four weeks – I think the 12 week things remains significant Tom