The World of Football in 2021
How the world of football will be altered and effected in the new year
picture via cbc.ca
So it has been a while, and a lot has happened in the world of football since I last posted. Covid-19 has continued to disrupt the game for players, staff, and fans around the globe. This year also saw the loss of one of the game’s greats in Diego Maradona. The Argentinian was one of the most iconic and pivotal players ever to play the game, and some would say he was even the first celebrity football player. His loss will forever leave an impact on the game, and his legacy will live on forever. With the much anticipated new year here, many things can happen in 2021. In today’s post, to finish off 2020, we will go through a few things that we could see happen in 2021 to the game that we all love.
1. Covid-19
There is no question that the coronavirus has drastically changed every person’s daily life this year; football is no exception. Not only did the virus suspend play for many weeks this year, but it had altered the way everyone experienced the game when play was resumed. Though many teams have had their fans return to attending games in recent months, recent spikes in the cases and deaths have seen the viewing experience returned to couches worldwide. For 2021, the timeline on when fans will be able to return, let alone a packed stadium, is still a massive question mark. Until then, taking the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of not only the players and fans but everyone involved in making each match enjoyable to watch should be the number one priority.
2. VAR
VAR or Video Assistant Referee has been a part of the game for a few seasons now, and it is safe to say that the opinions on it are very mixed. Even though it aids in correcting calls that could alter the course of a match, it comes under much scrutiny. Many say that VAR ruins the passion behind the game, and whether or not a missed call could lose a game for a team is all part of the game. Now, going into 2021, there are many questions on whether or not VAR will hold its ground in the world’s major leagues. Most leagues will likely continue to incorporate the tech for seasons to come; however, we could see smaller leagues start to drop or revamp VAR as it continues to disappoint so many.
3. Massive Moves
2020 was full of transfer rumors throughout the summer and winter windows. Now, with 2021 rolling in and a new January transfer window opening, some of these rumors may turn into reality during this period. Some of the most intriguing names include Lionel Messi, who, after a long career at Spanish powerhouse Barcelona, seeks a new chapter with a move rumored to either Manchester City or Inter Milan. Paul Pogba is getting closer and closer to the conclusion of his second spell at Manchester United with interest from Juventus and Real Madrid. Last, Mo Salah, even though the massive success he has found at Liverpool in recent years, may look elsewhere for a new challenge with Real Madrid and Barcelona's interest. As I said, all these players are big names in the game of football, and they and their brands bring in a lot of money and media for whatever club they are apart of and could all potentially be blockbuster moves and may even make their way into some of the most expensive signings ever.
2020 has been a rough year for many people and has affected many different things in our daily lives. With football being no exception to this, many can hope that 2021 can make a few steps in a better direction. Many questions still surround the new year and when things will return to normal; however, the world is optimistic and anxious to return to the world’s game.