FRENCH FOOTBALL authorities are to call time on this campaign, according to reports coming from respected French media outlet L’Equipe. Last week we reported on plans from Germany to get the top two Bundesliga divisions up and running with a possible May starting date and there are reports today suggesting that the English Premier League are also drawing up similar plans to complete their season as well as the FA Cup during the summer months.
Crucially though, both the German and English football authorities would require Government permission to carry out these plans, which many regard as optimistic. However the work will not be futile as the reality is likely to be that next season will start with Behind Closed Doors football around the world.
It could be that the French have adopted a more realistic and pragmatic stance on this and have called time on the remaining games to be played this season, with all their focus turning to getting back to playing football in August.
Here is the breaking news from French football from the L’Equipe journalist Bertrand Latour.
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This translates roughly as follows: “Info: For Ligue 1 and Ligue 2, seasons ended. Possible resumption in August for the 2020-2021 edition.”
Paris Saint-Germain are twelve points clear of Marseille in second spot with Rennes, who Celtic knocked out of the Europa League this season, six points behind in third spot.
Scottish football has already ended in all divisions except the Scottish Premiership, where Celtic have an almost unassailable 13 point lead over the Rangers, who are bing chased by Motherwell for second spot (that’s the way it works, right?).
If the early reports from L’Equipe are accurate then that will be significant in that it will be one of UEFA’s ‘big’ leagues that is bringing its season to a close. That could signal a domino effect from smaller leagues around Europe. France’s neighbours Belgium and Holland have already ended their seasons.
Celtic’s position remains clear in that they want to play the games and end the season on a high by winning a fourth consecutive treble. That however is going to be decided by the ongoing situation and advice from the Scottish Government.
Behind Closed Doors football is possible but with Germany and England making detailed plans to facilitate this we have heard nothing similar happening in Scotland.
Today UEFA indicated that they want a decision one way or another by 25 May. By that time it is likely that the Scottish Premiership season will be ended without another ball being kicked and Provisional Champions Celtic will be deservedly crowned as Nine-in-a-Row Champions for the second time in the club’s proud and unbroken history.
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
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