Football post COVID-19
How COVID-19 has affected the world of sports
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COVID-19 has taken the world into the storm. What started as an outbreak in China gradually began to spread to the rest of the world. Who would have thought that the outbreak would become a serious threat to the world? Within a span of a few months, Europe has become an epicenter of the virus. Countries like the USA, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, etc have been severely affected by this pandemic. The death rates have been increasing rapidly. Nations all around the world have been trying to take measures to avoid the spread of the virus.
The year 2020 has indeed proved to be very crucial for the sporting world. Honestly, I was very excited about the UEFA Euro 2020 which was supposed to be conducted in the summer. With the competition, last played in 2016, I couldn't wait for more. Particularly, I was looking forward to seeing the European nations competing for the coveted prize. European championships are known to be a box of surprises. Who wouldn't forget in 2004 when Greece shocked the world by beating Portugal for the championship. It was indeed a shock for everyone.
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After the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup in 2018, the 2-year wait was finally near. Frankly, I was excited to see nations like England, The Netherlands, Portugal, Belgium to play as these nations boasted a lot of talent. Speaking of the Dutch, I was happy as they made a return to the competition as they did not qualify for the European Championship in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2018. No offense to Germany, Spain, and Italy I was not very keen on these nations. I felt that the Bavarians (2014), La Rioja (2008-12), and the Azurris (2006) were powerhouses during the period when they dominated. Irrespective of the teams, football fans were excited. But, unfortunately, this was not the case.
COVID-19 has affected the sporting world. The European Championships and the Olympics were postponed to next year after the virus began to spread. Just general information, the IPL (Indian Premier League), Grand Slam ( Wimbledon, Rolland Garros, US Open and Australian Open), Formula 1, and the NBA have been suspended indefinitely.
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Italy and Spain from Europe have been affected severely as the death rates continue to increase rapidly. This lead to players avoiding shaking hands before the commencement of the match. Then games behind closed doors were introduced. UEFA announced immediately when the pandemic began to spread throughout Europe. In simple words, games behind closed doors mean matches without spectators. I cannot imagine a football match without spectators. All seemed well until the cases began to increase. Then came the final straw.
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All the major leagues and the UEFA committee announced that all matches should be suspended indefinitely until a solution was found. My weekend was done and dusted after hearing this announcement. My four-year wait was wasted. I never imagined life without football. I have been spending my time watching old classic matches of the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League. The virus has affected notable footballers too. Matuidi, Rugani, Dybala were tested positive. Callum-Hudson Odoi became the next victim. Marouane Fellaini too was tested positive as he is playing in China. Mikel Arteta too was affected by this virus. Fortunately, these sporting figures recovered. But the biggest shock for me was when it was announced the Paolo Maldini and his son Danielle Maldini were tested positive. This showed that no one was safe. But the good news is that the father-son duo recovered.
I was discussing with my friend how all major leagues would come up with a solution once the pandemic ends. Our conversations included about which players were affected by this virus as well as what initiatives are taken by the club teams during this emergency. It was very good to see that footballing figures are also playing a huge role during this crucial period. But our discussion was focused more on the Premier League as it is our favorite league. After discussing a lot in general, we finally came upon how the league will function post-COVID-19?
Here are the talking points:
1. Premier League relegation battle :
I am not going to write completely on who is going to be crowned as the champions of England. Before the pandemic, the wait seemed to be over for The Reds supporters as they were about to witness history. For the first time in 30 years, Jurgen Klopp's men were close to winning the title since the competition name was changed. History was about to be written, but unfortunately, tragedy strikes as the league announced that all matches to be suspended. So yeah, once the pandemic ends Liverpool will indeed get their hands on the title. Now moving to the relegation talk.
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This is a very surprising matter. Normally we do not have deep conversations related to teams that are about to be relegated. But, this time it is the other way around. For the 1st time since 2004/05 season, relegation has never been decided till now. There have been other seasons where we found that which team will be relegated. Generally, it was depended on fixtures. Interestingly, this time it is not the normal scenario. Due to this ongoing pandemic, we do not know which team is going to be demoted. It is a tight battle between West Ham United, Watford, AFC Bournemouth, Aston Villa FC, and Norwich City. As these teams have the same points, it is difficult to say which team is going to say goodbye to the Premier League.
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Interestingly, Leeds United was supposed to be promoted to the top-flight division. Marcelo Bielsa's men were closing on a return after a 20-year gap. They last won the title in 1991-92. It was their 3rd title overall. Indeed, this team is known to show players like Rio Ferdinand, Eric Cantona, Mark Viduka, etc.
The question is "who will be relegated from the top flight"?
2. UEFA Champions League spots up for grab :
Playing in the Champions League is indeed a dream for any football club. Playing in the most elite club competition feels like a big achievement for any team. Of course, winning the competition is the pinnacle. We all get excited to see which team gets qualified for the Champions League. As we all know, finishing in the top 4 is always a priority for any club in the league. Unfortunately, this is not the case this year.
Due to this ongoing pandemic, questions have been raised on how the qualification criteria would be for the teams. Until recently, there were many reports which stated that teams would be qualified based on previous seasons' standings. While some other reports stated that the team that would finish one position below the top 4 would be guaranteed a UEFA Champions League playoff spot. Honestly, I feel that this is pointless as normally only 4 teams from the league would be eligible to qualify for the Champions League.
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For Manchester City, it will be a heartbreak as they have been banned and will not be able to participate for 2 seasons as they were found violating FFP (Financial Fair Play) rules.
Recently UEFA has announced that teams will be chosen based on the "sporting merit" and league form of 2019-20. It also mentioned saying that domestic competitions held would return in a different format which would enable the teams to qualify for the next season's European cup.
3. Will UEFA declare the season null? :
This question has been running in everyone's mind since the games have been suspended. We have been waiting for the 2nd leg to be played. Athletico Madrid, RB Leipzig, PSG, and Atlanta FC booked their berth for the quarter-finals. Diego Simeone's men shocked the world by defeating the defending champions at their yard. Julian Naggelsman led his side to a comfortable victory over last season's runners-up. PSG made a stunning comeback in the 2ng leg after a strong display by Neymar while Atlanta FC cruised comfortably over Valencia in both the legs. Rest the remaining fixtures have been put hold.
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Frankly, if no fixtures were played UEFA could have declared the season null and void. But, since half fixtures have been completed. it is difficult to decide what should be done.
The question running in our mids will the remaining fixtures be continued?
4. Will games behind closed doors be continued? :
Social distancing has become a major step to avoid the spread of the virus. This eventually lead to avoiding of shake hands before the game. Games behind closed doors were played to avoid crowd gatherings. Recently, photos emerged showing Cristiano Ronaldo shaking hands with the fans when there was no crowd. It is awkward to see like players doing that, but it is their routine before they enter the pitch.
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Juventus Vs Inter was played behind closed doors with Juventus sealing all 3 points. This was followed by Manchester United Vs LASK with the Red Devils cruising past through the next round. All seemed well until all games were announced to be called off or postponed.
La Liga recently announced that all fixtures will be played behind closed doors till 2021 once the pandemic ends. This is sad for the fans. Nobody can imagine El Clasico without spectators.
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Well, it has been a tough time for everyone around the world. Not only for notable sporting figures but for civilians as well. There have been discussions about whether the leagues should be declared null or not. Honestly, I feel that this decision should be taken with proper planning and serious discussions. It is not easy for any league to declare the season null and void. The Belgian Pro League was the first to call of the season which was then followed by Scottish lower leagues.
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Recently, it was announced that the Eredivisie ( Dutch League) became the first major league to declare the season null and void. It is indeed a heartbreak to all Ajax fans as they were close to winning the league title. But the bottom half of the table would be relieved to know that there would be no relegation or promotion. So, in other words, they are lucky.
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I hope that this pandemic ends as soon as possible. I cannot wait for football to resume as they are fixtures yet to be completed. The remaining fixtures are still yet be completed. I am not talking only about the league matches, but UEFA Champions Leauge round of 16 2nd legs. There are still a few 2nd legs to be played. Teams who have been entertaining us deserve to be given credit for their hard work and efforts. I hope that all sporting events resume once this global crisis gets solved.
So let us hope for the best. Until then stay safe.
Author,
Zaid
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