This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the English Premier League (EPL) remains uncertain about its resumption date. The league was halted on March 9th, when Leicester City beat Aston Villa 4-0, in a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the virus.
Kenyan football fans, particularly bettors, have been eagerly awaiting the resumption of the EPL, with many forced to stay home due to the pandemic. Earlier reports suggested that the league would resume on May 1st, allowing for the completion of the pending matches for the current season, with a new season set to begin in early August.
However, the Premier League has confirmed that the restart dates are being constantly reviewed, and a solid response on the resumption date is yet to be confirmed. The COVID-19 situation is rapidly getting out of hand, making it a challenge for the EPL to work closely with stakeholders, including government and public agencies, to find a favorable solution.
According to the Premier League, the 2019/20 season will only resume when it is safe to do so. The suspension of matches has resulted in substantial losses for the 2019/2020 season, with even more losses expected if the season doesn't resume soon.
Clubs may have to overpay players whose contracts are ending on July 30th, risking legal challenges. Southampton chief executive Martin Semmens echoed these concerns, stating, 'We hope to get the league done by the end of June. As soon as you go past that date, there are legal challenges.'
If the curve doesn't flatten soon, the EPL may consider alternative options, such as playing matches in closed doors, similar to the World Cup-style. However, this option poses a significant risk and may cost the Premier League in terms of minimizing the chance of a single coronavirus case.
Kenyan football fanatics are likely distressed about the discontinuation of the EPL, with sports bettors forced to find alternative ways to place their bets. This has created a new market for virtual sports betting and online casinos in Kenya.
