'Unfathomable' clubs would be relegated if the season ends now, claims Premier League chairman

Brighton chairman says it would be unfair for teams to go down without all the games being completed

Liverpool's Sadio Mane celebrates scoring their second goal in the 2-1 win over Bournemouth, one of the last round of Premier League games at the beginning of March. To see the other matches that weekend, swipe the picture. Reuters

Leicester City beat Aston Villa 4-0 on March 9 in the last Premier League game to take place. Jamie Vardy celebrates after scoring the third goal. EPA

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette scored the only goal against West Ham. Reuters

Brighton's Lewis Dunk (left) battles for the ball against Wolves during the 0-0 draw at Molineux. PA

Pedro of Chelsea celebrates after scoring his team's second goal in the 4-0 win over Everton. Getty

Anthony Martial scored the first in Manchester United's 2-0 win over rivals Manchester City. EPA

Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew scores the goal in the 1-0 win against Watford. Reuters.

Sheffield United's Billy Sharp strikes in the 1-0 win over Norwich. Reuters

Newcastle United's Allan Saint-Maximin celebrates scoring their goal in a 1-0 win a Southampton. Reuters

Tottenham's Dele Alli scores their goal from the penalty spot in the 1-1 draw at Burnley. Reuters

A Premier League club chairman claims it would be unfathomable to relegate clubs if the season cannot be completed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

With no return date set for the Premier League and a growing focus on June 30 as a potential cut-off date, abandoning the season is possible but Brighton's Tony Bloom believes it would be unfair to relegate any club under the circumstances.

"I don't foresee a situation, if the season's not played out, that teams will get relegated on a points-per-game basis," he said.

"I just don't think it's fathomable that a team which is not allowed to play out the season may lose out on 0.2 points based on this system, and also it does not take into account the strength of the team you have not played."

Brighton would survive if the season was ended early as Graham Potter's side sit two points clear of the drop zone - occupied by Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Norwich - with nine games left to play.

"You may get a title winner, obviously Liverpool deserve it, you may use that criteria for European qualification but I do not see how anyone can vote for that, certainly the per cent needed (70 per cent), for teams to get relegated. I really cannot foresee that.

"When we are talking to Premier League clubs and the Premier League itself it's about finishing this season.

"If we get to a situation whereby it's decided the season can't be concluded, then we need to have serious conversations about what's going to happen next season."

Bloom also expects the Financial Fair Play rules to be relaxed due to the crisis. Burnley have said they could lose as much as £50million (Dh230m) if the season cannot be finished, while Brighton had already budgeted to make a loss due to investment in the squad.

"We are going to be well under the FFP numbers," Bloom said. "It may affect other clubs.

"It has not been discussed but I am sure if the virus meant people were going under the numbers it would be taken into consideration because it would be unfair to get a penalty because of the virus."

The losses being sustained by clubs are expected to lead to a collapse in transfer fees during the next window.

"There's no doubt the actual value of players right now has gone down in all squads," Bloom said.

"That may rebound in a year's time to something like what it is today, but there's no doubt if you were going to sell a player in this transfer window coming up and you were expecting to be getting £15m, that you're going to get less than that.

"How much less, I have no idea. It depends on who the next few months play out.

"The number one thought in all of our minds needs to be the virus and the effects on the health of the nation. When you are talking about a new mortuary next to the Amex Stadium it really brings it home."