When it was not customary, the two leagues – National League and Swiss League – had no difficulty in agreeing on the urgent measures to be taken and a new mode of championship. Because each and everyone, finally, find their account. “The mood was good, the decisions rather collegial,” said Sébastien Pico, director general of HC Visp, at the end of the session.
Note also that the clubs have accepted the possibility of delaying the resumption of the season in October or November in order to avoid as much as possible behind closed doors. Other points will be discussed at a future meeting on June 17.
No relegation
Both in the National League and the Swiss League, there will be no relegation at the end of next season. This decision should allow clubs to work without stress given the current situation. “The consequence is that in 2021-2022, the Swiss League will be able to count between 11 and 13 teams,” notes Alain Bonnet, president of HC Sierre. “But given the economic situation, it will allow the clubs to work a little more calmly. For example, it avoids panicking if the results do not follow, changing staff and making bad decisions, financially. ”
It is not excluded that relegation remains banned during the 2021-2022 season but no decision has been formally taken.
Promotion under conditions
The two leagues will not be closed. Thus, the Swiss League champion can be automatically promoted into the elite. And the MS League champion will be able to climb one floor. Under certain conditions, however. He must have applied, until next August. It will have to meet sporting, economic and infrastructure requirements. And have a reasonable budget. “On the order of 9 to 10 million,” says Sébastien Pico. “This principle of reinforced criteria does not seem to me necessary. There was no need to add this extra pressure. This is the only reservation I would have. On our side, it doesn’t change much. Financially, we have not had any problems in recent years. As for the budget to be reached, I don’t see any problems either. We are already between 5 and 6 million in the quarterfinals. It would have risen to 8 million, or even more if the dam had been contested. We are almost on target already in the Swiss League. A window opens next season, but that doesn’t mean it will close in the future. “
The MS League champion can only be promoted if he is a champion and no longer just a finalist. The Licensing Commission will always have the final say.
Series before the play-off
In both leagues, teams ranked 7-10 will compete in the best of three semifinals to determine the last two play-off qualifiers. This measure is intended to maintain interest at all levels until the end of the season. Good news for HC Sierre? “If we refer to the past season, of course,” replied Alain Bonnet. “But you can also lose everything if you’re eighth at the end of the regular season and come out in two games. I agree with the principle of putting a little spice at the end of the exercise. It is also important to have the same championship mode in both leagues. “
“I’m not a big fan of these intermediate series,” admits Sébastien Pico. “It’s a bit random. But we also had to keep a sporting stake in the second half of the classification since there will be no relegation. “
Two solidarity matches
Two additional meetings have been added to the calendar, November 1 and February 14. The highest ranked will be able to choose, one after the other, their opponent. “The goal is to have an extra derby. In this case, we could face Visp “, already salivates Alain Bonnet.
“So much the better if we can offer our subscribers one more game, and our sponsors a little more visibility,” rejoices Sébastien Pico. “A derby is also very significant financially.”
No transfers during a month
This is a “gentleman’s agreement” which specifies that clubs will not attempt to approach or hire players who are still under contract until the next meeting, on June 17, in order to avoid speculation. “This measure mainly concerns NL clubs, minus our league,” note Alain Bonnet and Sébastien Pico.
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