Coronavirus: Brighton chief executive Paul Barber proposes this radical plan to the Premier League

Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber said the Premier League must consider radical solutions amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul BarberBrighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber
Brighton chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber

The Premier League suspended all fixtures last week until at least April 4.

They are due to meet once again this Thursday and if they freeze the league, Barber believes it's possible for the current 20 teams to remain in the top flight - but also promote the top two from the Championship.

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"Our intention must be to play the fixtures," said Barber. "But it's really hard to imagine putting on a football game in the Premier League in two or three weeks' time given the scenario we are in.

"If we were to freeze the league it would be incredibly unjust for Liverpool to not be awarded the title, because everybody in the game appreciates what a fantastic season they have had.

"Equally it would be unjust for teams to be relegated with nine or 10 games to go in the Premier League."

The former Tottenham executive director added: "I think it's a possible option to leave the 20 teams in the league as it is but bring the top two in the Championship up.

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"It gives us a larger league, with four relegation places next season and then two teams coming up again. It has some merit but there are a lot of issues to be worked through.

"If we can't complete the season we have to look at radical solutions."

Last Thursday, England's chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty said the peak of the UK outbreak is most likely late May or early June. Uefa will meet this Tuesday and will discuss whether to postpone Euro 2020.

It appears likely the tournament will be held back a year, which could free up space for the Premier to complete - if conditions at the time allow.

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Brighton were due to play Arsenal last Saturday but the match was suspended after Gunner's manager Mikel Arteta confirmed he contracted the virus. A day later, the Premier League confirmed all matches will be off until April 4.

Brighton's next scheduled match is against Manchester United at the Amex on April 4.

“Everyone in the club is calm, realistic and respectful of the situation," said Barber speaking on the club's official website. "People understand that we have to be seen to be doing the right thing generally.

“Players want to carry on training and be prepared to play games, we don’t know yet whether that will be possible next month, but we have to be ready if it is.

“We’ll keep working day by day as the situation changes, and we’ll retain our professionalism all the way through."