"The RFU can play for time all it likes, but this is a mass movement by a stronger, united team," said a spokesperson for the collective.

Might they just want to play for time, see how LIV reacts as contracts with several of their initial crop of players begin to expire?

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, is known as a man who likes to play for time and postpone big decisions.

West Brom midfielder Grady Diangana narrowly failed to connect as the ball bounced tantalisingly across Egypt's six-yard box, prefacing a finale in which the more established contenders seemed understandably content to play for time rather than attack with intent.

Many U.S. officials believe that Mr. Putin aspires to gain far greater control of Ukraine than he has now, something that will require him to play for time.