A leaked letter from the UEFA to the SPFL has put Celtic’s nine-in-a-row hopes in doubt after it had appeared that they were set to be crowned champions.
Clubs around the world have been left looking at an uncertain future due to the suspensions of the leagues as a result of the global outbreak of the coronavirus. With the numbers going up at an alarming rate, that will only push back the restart of the season even further. And Celtic fans have been left questioning the fate of the league title in the process.
This season’s Premiership title means especially more to the Hoops as it will see them lift a record-equaling ninth straight Scottish league title – something that has been achieved only twice in history. And it sets them up perfectly for ten-in-a-row, the holy grail, next season.
Of course, Rangers fans are doing all they can to somehow stop it. After falling 13 points behind in the league table, off-field issues are their last hope for the season to be honest. And as a result, their fans and former players have been pushing the ‘null and void’ narrative with full force. Although the implications of any such decision will leave them in a worse financial position than probably any other club in the country.
In the last few days though, a feeling was growing that the ‘null and void’ option was completely off the table and the governing body was ready to crown Celtic champions owing to their gigantic lead at the top of the table with only 8 games left to be played. They have done the same thing in Belgium where Club Brugge have been declared as champions and the season is over.
UEFA has decided to interfere in the matter though. They seem to believe that finishing the season right now is premature and the possibility should not be entertained at this stage.
Looks like a UEFA ultimatum to clubs thinking about ending season early due to #COVIDー19. SFA in dialogue with the governing body and SPFL in talks with European Leagues Association. pic.twitter.com/lAP1izK1Mx
— Chris McLaughlin (@BBCchrismclaug) April 3, 2020
While UEFA seem intent on finishing the season, it is unlikely that they can realistically achieve that unless they are ready to play out the remaining games whenever things return to normal instead of starting a new season. That should not be a huge problem for Celtic though as there is little to no hope for the Rangers of cutting into their lead.
Nine-in-a-row will be achieved. One way or the other. It only is a matter of when. And unfortunately UEFA’s letter appears to have pushed that date back.