Premier League set for talks on West Brom promotion hopes
Premier League clubs were today set to discuss the possibility of promoting both Albion and Leeds if the current season cannot be completed.
The proposal was among numerous up for debate when the 20 top-flight clubs held their latest teleconference call, attempting to pick a path through the coronavirus crisis.
With no immediate end to the sporting shutdown in sight, clubs were expected to discuss placing a June 30 deadline on the existing campaign, which has now been suspended for more than a month.
Though such a move would create its own problems, one idea is to promote Albion and Leeds – the current Championship top two – and have a 22-team top flight next season.
It is hoped that would increase the number of televised matches and help satisfy broadcasters, who could demand a £762million rebate if the current term ends early.
Clubs will also discuss the possibility of completing the season at neutral venues, with the general acceptance that when football does return, it will initially do so behind closed doors.
Any definitive decisions are unlikely due to the continuing uncertainty of the pandemic, together with Uefa’s plea for leagues to wait until the governing body has returned with its own proposals for ending the season.
Uefa will meet with the general secretaries of its 55 member associations next Tuesday, with its executive committee then holding a video conference on Thursday to update stakeholders on the latest developments.
The push to put a deadline on the Premier League season is being driven by clubs who fear becoming bogged down in a contractual nightmare should the season extend into July.
Numerous players have deals which expire on June 30 and though Fifa last week issued a guideline stating contracts could be extended, it is unclear whether that would comply with English law.
If the proposal to put a deadline on the season was put to a vote it would require a 14-club majority for it to pass.
