Here is your West Ham United morning digest for Wednesday, April 1.
Extended season at London Stadium?
With the coronavirus pandemic suspending all football in England until April 30 at the very earliest, there has been speculation about whether West Ham will be able to finish the season at their home ground.
The Hammers have still got four home matches remaining of the 2019/20 season – hosting Chelsea, Burnley, Watford and Aston Villa.
West Ham signed a contract with the London Stadium that enables other tenants, UK Athletics, to have the stadium from the last Friday in June and ending on July 31, or August 1 depending on if the first is a Sunday or not.
However, the Hammers believe they have the priority of the stadium, with a clause in their concession agreement called the “Overriding Priority Principle”.
This means the club can use the stadium until the season ends, despite the fact that there will be a delay to the campaign’s conclusion.
The date for when the season will end is not yet known, but there is set to be a meeting between senior Premier League officials later this week.
West Ham staff payment decision
West Ham will continue to pay full salaries to their non-playing staff who are directly employed by the club.
At the present time of publication, no West Ham staff members have seen a pay-cut or been placed on furlough leave to the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which will pay 80% of wages up to £2,500-per-month.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a major financial impact around the world, and in sport, with no games currently being played, less money is being taken in by clubs.
Newcastle United were the first Premier League club to announce that some of their staff members would be placed on furlough leave, including some academy players and staff.
Premier League plan could affect London clubs
If the Premier League season does continue behind closed doors, then the remaining matches of the season could be shown live on free-to-air television.
The Mirror report that fans will be able to watch the games, even if the fixture kicks off at 3pm, on the red button option on Sky Sports and BT Sport, who have the Premier League broadcasting rights.
The report says that the authorities think this is the best thing to do as it would encourage supporters to stay at home with the coronavirus pandemic dominating headlines around the world at the moment.
