Member Insights: “A Strong Willingness To Co-operate” Necessary For Football To Move Forward After Coronavirus

Adrian Bevington, former Director of Communications at the Football Association, discusses the reaction to the coronavirus situation within football as it has continued to escalate and evaluates some of the knock-on effects that could now hit the sport.

Firstly, as someone who has spent so long working in media communications, how do you think the coronavirus situation has been dealt with overall?

We are in unprecedented times with Coronavirus. There is no previous template to follow and it has been handled differently in various countries. I do think the media conference the UK government and experts held on Thursday was strong with facts on the strategy being taken. However, over the weekend it has become less clear. Overnight briefing on Saturday into Sunday on how the elderly could be self isolated was a poor tactic and caused confusion. As did the Health Minister giving an exclusive to one newspaper – behind a paywall. 

The Government must hold live daily media conferences with PM or Health Minister alongside the Chief Medical and Science advisers. We need a consistent approach with clear messages. 

There is so much work going on behind the scenes and I think football’s governing bodies have done well so far.

In relation to football, it was good to see the English FA and leagues issue a collective statement on Saturday morning, likewise the other GB Home nations. UEFA have been transparent about Tuesday’s meeting and communication from that will be crucial.

Do you think the reaction from football’s governing bodies was proactive enough having seen what had initially occurred in China?

As with all sports, there has been a significant amount of dialogue being ongoing for a number of weeks – involving key stakeholders. Individual governments have determined policy in many cases, with sport in the UK being directed by the Government in conjunction with the Chief Medical and Science Advisers. I believe The FA, Premier League and EFL were correct to follow the lead from experts. 

However, this is a fast moving situation and they rightly reacted to changing circumstances late on Thursday evening. 

There is so much work going on behind the scenes and I think football’s governing bodies have done well so far.

With all major football including UEFA competitions postponed and the Premier League and EFL now suspended until April the 3rd, should that be seen as an admittance that their initial stance over the past few weeks was wrong?

No. The football authorities were clearly following Government advice based on that of the Medical and Science advisers. This changed on Thursday evening when players and coaches began to be diagnosed or being required to isolate – making it impractical to fulfil all fixtures. A decision had to be taken then to protect players, coaches and staff. It was also wise not to pursue the behind closed doors option. That would have been grossly unfair on the clubs/players from a wellbeing and exposure perspective and for the smaller clubs who need the games played in front of crowds. We also had to avoid major crowd gatherings outside of stadiums which could have increased spread and stretch the emergency services. 

I don’t expect football to recommence on April 3rd. The authorities have been wise in buying themselves time to work on future plans.

How much of a difficulty could this now cause for sports teams and, particularly, football teams outside the Premier League who may be missing out on crucial funds from gate receipts? 

This is a significant issue. So many clubs outside of the PL survive by cash flow generated through ticket sales and hospitality from each game. Without knowing when they will be back playing again it presents a huge challenge. I’m certain this will be central to the continued discussion between the EFL and its member clubs this week. 

So what are other knock-on effects that could now occur from this suspension?

There are so many knock-on effects. 

I expect to see Euro 2020 postponed by UEFA for a year this week. That will hopefully create some time for the domestic leagues across Europe to conclude their seasons later in the summer over a reduced time period. 

Ultimately, there needs to be a strong willingness to co-operate within individual leagues, clubs and federations – in addition to working with UEFA and FIFA – to establish a pathway forward out of this.

It is important this happens for the integrity of the competitions. If we void this season the ramifications could be huge. Clubs who are relegated or miss out on promotion when it was mathematically possible to achieve their goal will contest this and it could see some huge legal challenges mounted.  We have to find a way of playing the season out to its end.

There are also so many major commercial obligations that remain outstanding. 

Player contracts are up at the end of June, so if the current season runs later in the summer – a solution to this must be found. What of the transfer window? Do dates have to be changed?

We then may have to start next season with a shorter break than usual to try and claw back some of the time. 

When will the Women’s Euros be played if the men play next summer? 

Ultimately, there needs to be a strong willingness to co-operate within individual leagues, clubs and federations – in addition to working with UEFA and FIFA – to establish a pathway forward out of this. I believe there is.

We must also consider suppliers and contractors who will not be required during this process. Due to not knowing when we’ll be back up and running this is a very unstable time for a lot of people and organisations. 

Those charged with making the decisions have my sympathy and support as this will be an extremely challenging process for everyone involved that has not been faced before.