Norwich contract complications threaten Sean Raggett's Portsmouth return if season extended

FIFA have pledged to finish domestic seasons in the European leagues by June 30, yet it remains to be seen if this can be fulfilled as the spread of coronavirus escalates.

Should it not, with the Football League season extended into July, the Blues will lose the services of players whose contracts expire on June 30.

That will also include their four loanees – Cameron McGeehan, Ross McCrorie, Steve Seddon and Raggett – whose arrangements span until the culmination of the original season.

The Football Association could resolve that loan situation by introducing legislation to extend temporary deals beyond the deadline initially stipulated.

That would enable McGeehan, McCrorie and Seddon to remain, with the permission of their parents clubs – but not Raggett.

The 26-year-old's position is complicated as his Norwich contract expires on June 30, leaving him without a parent club to loan him.

Pompey would instead be faced with the scenario of signing him permanently in order to retain his services to complete the 2019-20 campaign.

As it stands, that would have to be in the form of a long-term deal.

However, a possible solution to such cases across football may see the FA bring in player contracts spanning two months, thereby covering any extended season.

That legislation does not currently exist, yet a raft of fresh measures will be introduced to cope with the necessity of allowing the league to run through the summer months.

It's a pathway now been cleared following Tuesday’s decision by FIFA to postpone Euro 2020 until the summer of 2021.

In contrast to Raggett, the trio of McGeehan (Barnsley), McCrorie (Rangers) and Seddon (Birmingham) are contracted with their parent clubs for at least another year.

As a consequence, the trio’s loans could be renewed if the FA granted the go ahead.

Raggett, though, would be left in limbo and without a club – unless legislation is changed and Pompey opt to step in.

An additional possible complication would be if the defender has already signed a pre-contract action with another club.

That is unknown at present, with players whose deals expire within six months perfectly entitled to negotiate with other football clubs.

Pompey could already be without fellow central defender Burgess during an extended season, with his contract ending on June 30.

Mark Catlin has admitted talks over a new deal for the 28-year-old are continuing, with Kenny Jackett eager to retain the Blues stalwart’s services.

Burgess and Raggett have been Pompey’s preferred centre-half pairing this season, establishing themselves after the club’s shaky start to the campaign.

Burgess has emerged as a player of the season contender, while Raggett has been a revelation following an unconvincing start, becoming something of a cult hero.

The Norwich loanee has made 37 appearances this season, scoring twice.