Revealed: Premier League contingency plan for future curtailment could see just HALF of fixtures played

EXCLUSIVE
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David Lynch7 August 2020

The Premier League could consider the 2020-21 season complete in the event of just HALF of all fixtures being contested, Standard Sport has learned.

Project Restart allowed for the last campaign to be successfully completed following a three-month hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.

However, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic set to loom over next season and amid fears of a second wave, the Premier League are weighing up contingency plans.

Liverpool’s pursuit of a first league title in 30 years was almost halted by calls from several clubs for 2019-20 to be rendered null and void.

But, under Premier League proposals for next term, the top-flight would have already passed the threshold for the season to be considered valid.

Getty Images

Those plans, which are set be discussed at a meeting of clubs next week, would see final placings decided by points per game in the event of 50 per cent or more of all scheduled fixtures having been played.

That would mean relegation, European qualification and the destination of the title all being decided on that basis, though 14 of the 20 member clubs would still have to vote in favour of the curtailment.

Should the 50% mark be missed - so teams having each played 18 or fewer games of the league season - there would be no league winners or relegation for that season

The Premier League, meanwhile, would engage with Uefa in order to decide which of its clubs would compete in European competition the following year.

Top-flight clubs will convene next week to discuss the proposals, with the aim of making recommendations at a further meeting on September 3.

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