THREE BILLION REASONS WHY THIS SEASON HAS TO FINISH

Football had no choice but to honour the huge TV contracts even if it means Liverpool win the title behind closed doors

- JOHN CROSS

IT WAS the decision they couldn’t afford not to take.

Ultimately, the £3billion TV contract was the biggest factor in pushing the Premier League to get games back on again – and to complete the season.

Sky’s contract is basically 128 games each year multiplied by three and that, along with BT Sport’s deal, is what bankrolls the top flight.

That is why the fixture list must be completed even if it is behind closed doors, why next season can only start after this campaign ends and why they simply cannot afford to default on the deal.

It is the same also for the EFL and their deal with Sky because it would be unthinkable for them to lose the TV cash which clubs rely on and without which they would go to the wall.

The ideal would be to resume football on the weekend of May 2 and 3 but that would have to be behind closed doors. That would at least satisfy TV companies while armchair fans would be happy after weeks of no games.