This was the only measure the Premier League could have taken given the circumstances. With the tragic and sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest serving monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, the Premier League officials have announced that all games this weekend will be postponed.
Like I said, this was the only measure the Premier League officials could have taken in these circumstances. Queen Elizabeth II was a beloved ruler of England, Wales, Scottland, and Northern Ireland, and deserves all of the respect and tributes that have been given to her and the royal family.
By not playing, this is showing that the Premier League values the memory of the queen over the financial incentives it would get from the broadcasting and ticket revenues of its games this weekend.
In my opinion, it is the ultimate sign of respect the league could have shown.
However, this pause in play does put a big strain on the Premier League scheduling.
With the World Cup being played in November this year, as it would be too hot to play football in Qatar during the summer, all top-level club leagues have implemented a “mid-season pause” to accommodate their players playing for their, respective, national teams.
Already, the Premier League has been forced to extend the season into late May and early June because of this. Any further delays, such as another weekend needing to be postponed for the Queen’s funeral, may cause the Premier League to extend the season into late June and even early July.
Obviously, if the Premier League had to play matches in July, that would impact when the summer transfer window would open for these twenty clubs.
There could be a situation where other teams around Europe could sign out-of-contract Premier League players during the end of the season, even though Premier League teams can’t replace them as their summer window isn’t open.
If this came to pass, it would be disastrous for the mid-table/relegation-threatened clubs as they may lose their top players to other clubs on free transfers yet be unable to replace them with players of a similar caliber.
Such a situation could very well be the difference between a club getting relegated or a club staying in the Premier League.
Nevertheless, hopefully, I’m just making a mountain out of a molehill with this delay. I’m sure the Premier League has some rule in place to counter said situation if it ever arises.
And, in closing, may Queen Elizabeth II rest in peace. She was, without a doubt, one of the greatest monarchs to ever sit on the English throne.
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