GENEVA (AP) – Star players isolated from their teams; parties are postponed or moved to impartial venues; fans of financially threatened clubs in their stadiums.
The coronavirus pandemic continues to be the toughest football rival in Europe this season, as England and Spain are leading a wave of national leagues this weekend on a tight schedule.
After a 2019-20 national season that has extended more than a year in some countries, there are now more than 8 months left on the loose for all 38 leagues. At the end of May, UEFA resumed the match list for the final phase of club competitions and the delayed 2020 European Championship.
Most leagues in Europe have defied doubts in the spring to get out of a three-month break and finish their seasons safely, albeit in empty stadiums that have turned the economy upside down.
Now they have to start over as they run even harder with the government to get enthusiasts back into the games.
“They sense it’s not over yet,” said Jacco Swart, managing director of the 29 European leagues. “They have to fight and fight for it every day. “
“The important thing is when we will return to general and what the definition of general will be until then. “said the head of the Netherlands in an interview.
The unpredictability of next season is already noticeable in the leagues that have started.
Paris Saint-Germain began their defense of the national name won on Thursday without a large number of star players, adding Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, who tested positive for COVID-19 at the opening of the PSG almost two weeks late to allow players to rest. following his defeat in last month’s Champions League final.
Scotland’s standings are disjointed with Celtic and Aberdeen already two games behind. The city of Aberdeen closed in August through public government when a local increase in infections connected to nightlife. Several Aberdeen players who violated the regulations have been criticized by lawmakers.
Swart said some groups can simply play in unbiased cities due to local locks.
In addition, he suggested, “you can expect new start times, perhaps new preparation days, to play national championship matches on days that have not (used) until now. “
The biggest shock in the league’s ratings and systems can happen if a club declares bankruptcy, surrenders and its effects are erased from the record.
“In the current situation, only in football but in the economy as a whole, it would be unrealistic to say that such things can happen,” Swart acknowledged.
European club leaders warned of a collective profit deficit of four billion euros ($4. 5 billion) combined in 2020 and 2021. Hundreds of millions of expected profits were transferred to broadcasters for schedules interrupted last season.
With so many clubs in smaller leagues relying on cash selling tickets at tight prices and hospitality, the main purpose is to bring back some enthusiasts.
“Everyone is on the same wavelength that we have a target,” Swart said. “Football becomes a genuine occasion when we have enthusiasts (in) the stands. “
Fans will return to many countries within strict limits, such as two-thirds of the stadium’s capacity in October, before an expected increase in infections in the winter.
“I hope, although I’m not sure it’s realistic, until the end of this season we can have full capacity again,” Swart said.
With its privileged position in European culture, football has shown “a very example for society as a whole that we can manage and that we have to face the new circumstances,” he said.
Turkey and holland also begin their season this weekend, followed a week later by leagues in Germany, Italy and Portugal.
The un scripted drama at the heart of football’s appeal is likely to be matched from the start through the unpredictability of the pandemic.
“We know one thing for sure, ” said Swart. ” What’s the scenario, it won’t be the stage in a few months. “
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