Liverpool are likely to awarded the Premier League title if the season has to be abandoned due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.
The league has been suspended until April 3rd as things stand, but it is widely accepted that that date of return is optimistic. It is likely the hiatus will be extended until the end of next month at least, depending on how the situation unfolds.
UEFA are set to announce that the European Championships will be moved to the summer of 2021, leaving the months of June and July open to complete the 19/20 campaign should they be required. However, should the situation worsen in the UK, there is a real prospect that the season will be cancelled.
That would result in a very awkward situation for the Premier League. The relegation and Champions League positions have yet to be decided, meaning some clubs could miss out on vast amounts of money. You also have the likes of Leeds and West Brom, who had looked well on their to achieving promotion.
It had been speculated that it would also stop Liverpool from claiming a first league title in 30 years, despite the fact that they currently hold a 25-point lead at the top of the table. According to a report this morning, this is unlikely to be the case.
The Telegraph say that they have been informed there would be little opposition from other clubs in awarding Liverpool the Premier League title, even if another ball isn't kicked in the campaign:
A senior club executive revealed on Friday night that there was little opposition to awarding Jurgen Klopp’s men their first English title for 30 years following what threatened to be the longest suspension of the professional game since the Second World War.
This would seem like a reasonable outcome considering their position in the league. Were it a much closer table, it is unlikely that other clubs would quite so open to the idea.
Should the league be resumed, Jurgen Klopp's side would need only six points from their final nine games to guarantee first place.
As for promotion and relegation, it has been suggested that we may see an extended Premier League of 22 teams next season. That would allow both Leeds and West Brom to be promoted, with no current team relegated from the league.
I’ve been told by more than 1 current PL player that a 22-team PL season has been talked about for next season...
— Jake Humphrey (@mrjakehumphrey) March 14, 2020
