The coronavirus pandemic of 2020 changed life as we know it and football has not been immune, with the beautiful game being ground to a halt across the world.
The game's administrators, from FIFA to continental confederations and national associations, worked together in an attempt salvage what they could of the 2019-20 season.
Space was made in the calendar with the postponement of the European Championship and Copa America until next year, which allowed leagues to restart in earnest in June.
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But there are other issues to contend with too, including the business of transfers.