EUROPEAN FOOTBALL AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC – ITS IMPACT ON COMPETITIONS, CLUBS AND PLAYER CONTRACTS

European football, like all major sport around the world, was heavily impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. All national leagues in Europe had to suspend their 2019-20 seasons, though most were eventually able complete them extending seasons beyond usual finishing dates. However, these resumed fixtures be played empty stadiums, as matches 2020-21 seasons. This article considers how problems dealt with investigating three key areas of competitions, clubs and player contracts. UEFA, governing bodies various leagues, demonstrated flexibility adaptability running competitions which crucial successful completion. The suffered from loss revenue due reduced broadcasting rights gate receipts but did obtain some financial assistance a variety sources. Player contracts on more individual basis depending law applicable negotiations between players, although there agreements countries. In circumstances, football appears have survived pandemic reasonably well, recent advent Omnicron variant indicates that may not over yet.