Ghost games in the National League
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There can only be one solution: «Tuesday will start with playoffs without spectators»
The National League and Swiss League ice hockey clubs are in a dilemma. Playoffs in front of empty spectator stands are an emotional and, above all, financial debacle. But pressure from TV rights holders will force them to take the championship decision.
Ghost games are bad. There are no two opinions about this. The author of these lines himself saw in the stadium how EHC Olten said goodbye to the playoffs in front of empty spectator stands and accordingly without emotions. It is surreal. It is sad. It takes all the magic out of sport. If the players can complain to the referee inspector in the bleachers about the performance of the referees on the ice during the game, then that actually says everything about the absurdity. Nobody can want that.
But the fact that ghost games are bad and should be prevented at all costs does not change the fact that a solution is needed for the Swiss ice hockey championship, which was interrupted until March 15. As pragmatic as possible. In other words, the least bad. The leaders of the National and Swiss League teams in Bern will be worried about what it looks like today.
Marc-Antoine Pouliot celebrates a goal with his teammates – but without fans. Image: KEYSTONE
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A toxic cocktail
It is understandable that the clubs resist the playoffs, the most beautiful ice hockey season of the year, which are closed to the public. The missing emotions are the factor that plays the smallest role. Ultimately, of course, it’s all about money. Missing audience and catering revenues, stadium rentals, impending success bonuses and other obligations: this is a toxic cocktail for any professional sports organization. Logically, the clubs concerned want to keep the damage as low as possible. For them, dropping out of the championship would be the best solution.
With «MySports» you have to rely on the playoffs. Image: KEYSTONE
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On the other side are the TV channels. MySports (or UPC) pays CHF 35 million per season for television rights. Now, of all times, when it comes to the sporty sausage after the eternal pre-qualification skirmishes, the screens remain black. Or you are desperately looking for alternative formats, broadcasting snail races (!) And discussing anything other than what should really be the focus: the sport.
Logically, the pressure on the part of the rights holders increases every day. The rule is: whoever pays, orders. Therefore, there can only be one answer to the question of how the championship will continue: starting next Tuesday. Playoffs in camera. But at least on TV.
The clubs will have to swallow this solution for better or worse. It will be interesting to see how creatively you deal with the situation. The next big dilemma that is emerging is a very perfidious one: the longer you are involved in the playoffs, the more expensive it becomes. In extreme cases, the “ghost title” can drive an organization to the brink of ruin. That’s absurd. But it fits a situation where there are only bad solutions.
And what happens if a corona case appears in one of the playoff teams? Then everything is probably waste and the championship in the end.
