Almost all national and continental premier football leagues, as well as FIFA qualifiers, have been suspended across the world since mid-March because of the coronavirus, causing huge damage to the football industry. With no matches being played, there is no material to be broadcast on television, for rights holder channels. Accordingly, sponsors and advertisers have failed to fulfill their obligations towards associations and clubs, who in turn have also struggled to pay royalties and salaries to their players and employees. It is a dilemma the football business has been engulfed in since governments imposed lockdowns following the rapid spread of the coronavirus almost two months ago. But, this week, a breeze of hope is being felt. Some countries have set dates for the return of their football, while to be sure others are still considering whether to resume or cancel the yet unfinished season. The reason some countries have taken the decision to go back to playing and trying to finish their tournaments, even if it means doing so behind closed doors, is because they are no longer capable of enduring the financial damages they have incurred which is causing them an unprecedented nightmare. They must also find the means to compensate stakeholders for the financial impact that hit them from revenue losses and high-running operational costs. And, above all else, those concerned must try to ensure the safety of the players and fans, if there are. Football is a contact sport that needs high protective standards. According to reports, the Netherlands has set September for resuming the remainder of the season, though other reports claim the Dutch Association plans to conclude the season between 19 June and 26 July, despite calls from some clubs to cancel the season. Germany has announced that the Bundesliga will resume on 9 May. Clubs have already started training in order to be fit when the games kick-off again. In Italy, Serie A sides are expected to return to individual training on 4 May and team training on 18 May after the Italian prime minister announced the first steps in lifting the country's coronavirus lockdown. The United Kingdom is, meanwhile, working on plans to resume their lucrative Premier League season labelled ‘Project Restart', a Premier League-specific plan, but there is close collaboration between the Premier League, EFL and FA over restart plans. On Monday, the BBC said that clubs including Brighton, Arsenal and West Ham have opened their training grounds to players for individual work and that a possible 8 June date is a “hopeful” restart to the league through to the end of July to match with UEFA's plans for their competitions. And in order to kick-off on 8 June, teams need to start full training by 18 May. When they resume training, it was reported that Arsenal players are to arrive in groups of five for individual sessions, stretching and running with a ball. Ten pitches will be used so that players do not come into contact with each other. Each player will be assigned his own ball, players are on a rota and told where to park while buildings at the training ground will remain closed. Top flight British clubs are scheduled to meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart of the season which still has 92 matches remaining to be played. Egypt is also seriously considering resuming its domestic competition. However, such a decision also requires governmental approval that would have a health protocol system to ensure the safety of the players and all other individuals involved in the game. Just like the rest of the world, football in Egypt has been out of service since mid-March, precisely 16 March. But, while some countries have considered resuming playing in May or June, the Egyptian Football Association this week confirmed that football remains officially suspended until 15 May. The decision to keep the suspension came “per the latest decisions by the Egyptian government to maintain the procedures restricting gatherings and having the curfew for the next two weeks,” the EFA said. Egypt is under a partial lockdown, a 9pm to 6am night-time curfew. Before Covid-19 stopped Egyptian football dead in its tracks, Ahly were leading the 18-team league with 49 points, followed by the Arab Contractors with 33 points. Pyramids were third with 32 points, one ahead of Zamalek who come in fourth with 31 points. The league was suspended in the 18th week, the first week of the second round of the league competition which needs 16 more weeks to end, during which 150 matches to be played. The duration of the suspension has cost the EFA losses worth an estimated LE250 million. According to Hossam Al-Zanati, head of competitions at the EFA, the association is “earnestly” considering resuming the competition to avoid more damage to the sport. “The plans are there but need a lot of logistical work with the authorities in order to be implemented. We have thought of bringing together all the 18 clubs in the competition in one place, like in a camp. We would have to select one stadium first where all the remaining matches would be played. Teams would be staying in hotels surrounding the stadium to make it easier for transportation and security,” Al-Zanati said, adding that Cairo Stadium might be the best option, considering its location and various facilities and pitches. “This is not all,” Al-Zanati said. “Regular sanitizing of facilities and hygiene of individuals and testing for the coronavirus are required for all involved -- players, coaches, administrators, kit men, referees, officials, administrators, ball boys and security in the hotel and the stadium. This is the challenge we are facing and it has to be done according to a public health guidance and strict precautions according to the guidelines of the WHO.” On Monday, the EFA's medical committee proposed an eight-step plan needed to resume the domestic competition. Each and every individual working the 18 participating teams must take a coronavirus test. Once tests are conducted and the results come out negative, teams then go into an isolating camp. Each individual will be in a separate room. There will be no gatherings over meals, and no gatherings in gyms. Every player should have his own personal protective equipment. Training will be conducted in open-air pitches and there will be regular sanitising of medical equipment. Individuals will regularly wash. According to the EFA, all clubs have to agree to this proposal in order to resume the competition. “Despite these challenges, we are doing our best to resume. The board has to study all scenarios and take a decision accordingly, in coordination with the government's affiliated authorities,” Al-Zanati added. Despite what leagues around the world want and the dates and timings they have determined to resume their domestic competitions, it's still not their call. The decision to resume play still rests with governments and health authorities. *A version of this article appears in print in the 30 April, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
