The major issue concerning Sheffield United that English football chiefs do not want to address yet

The Premier League has refused to be drawn on how its parachute payments to relegated clubs would be distributed if the season is eventually declared null and void, as its members remain committed to finishing the remaining 92 fixtures.
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A spokesperson for the governing body declined to comment when approached by The Star for comment, politely replying: “This isn’t something we will get into at this time.”

This newspaper’s question focused on whether teams such as Sheffield United, who are assured of at least another year at the highest level after impressing since being promoted from the Championship last term, would still be guaranteed the three payments awarded to sides who avoid an immediate return to the EFL or the two handed to those who spent just one campaign at the highest level should the competition be annulled.

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Officials at the PL are convinced they can follow the examples set by their counterparts in Serie A and the Bundesliga by completing the present season whilst avoiding too much disruption to the 2020/21 schedule.

But with France, Belgium and Holland all announcing their 2019/20 calendars will not be fulfilled because of the coronavirus pandemic, some within the game believe it would be better to decide the final positions on sporting merit or even wipe this season from the record books altogether.

United were seventh in the table before sport in the UK was suspended due to the outbreak of Covid-19; only five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand on Frank Lampard’s side.

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The Star has asked the Premier League what would happen to parachute payments if the season is declared null and void: Dominic Lipinski/PA WireThe Star has asked the Premier League what would happen to parachute payments if the season is declared null and void: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire
The Star has asked the Premier League what would happen to parachute payments if the season is declared null and void: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire

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