Belgium looking to set a rather unfortunate precedent that will have the Dhims all over it:
The Pro League Board of Directors met today by conference call. The most important item on the agenda was, of course, the question of continuing to compete in the context of the coronavirus crisis.
The current situation, particularly precarious, in which our country finds itself has the consequence that sport is not and cannot be considered the first concern, however entertaining and relaxing it may be.
In this context, it is the responsibility of the Board of Directors to make a recommendation to the General Assembly for the continuation of the competition, taking into account public health, the interests of all stakeholders and the wish of the majority of clubs not to resume competition.
The Board of Directors has reviewed the recommendations of Dr. Van Ranst and the authorities that it is highly unlikely that public matches will be held before June 30.
The current situation does not allow us to know if and when a resumption of collective training can be planned.
In addition, a resumption of competition could not exclude the health risks of the players, employees and all those involved in the organisation of matches and in the maintenance of order. In addition, possible contamination of a player or a core of players may influence the sporting performance of the rest of the competition in an unacceptable manner.
Even if closed-door matches were theoretically possible, the additional pressure that the organization of these matches would put on the health services and law enforcement should be avoided.
In addition, the decisions of the local authorities threaten to make it impossible to run the championship days simultaneously.
The Board of Directors unanimously decided that it was not desirable, whatever the scenario, to continue the competition after 30 June.
In view of the above elements, the Board of Directors has issued a unanimous opinion to the General Assembly in order not to resume the competitions of the 19-20 season and to accept the current ranking of the Jupiler Pro League as the final ranking (subject to the decisions of the Licensing Commission).
The Board of Directors has set up a working group (composed of Mr Croonen, Mr Louwagie, Mr Cordier, Mr Allijns, Mr Bormans and the Management of the Pro League) which will examine the sporting problems and the financial implications of this decision. The possibility of playing in the Croky Cup final and the return leg of the Proximus League final will be among the topics covered in this working group.
The General Assembly will be convened for Wednesday, April 15.
Le Conseil d'Administration de la Pro League s'est réuni aujourd'hui par conference call. Le point le plus important de l'ordre du jour était évidemment la question de la poursuite de la compétition dans le contexte de la crise liée au coronavirus.
www.sport.be
