The Premier League has been given the green light to resume in June. The UK Government released a 50-page plan on Monday afternoon, detailing how lockdown restrictions will be eased in five steps.
In “step two” of the Government’s road map, it states that ‘cultural and sporting events to take place behind-closed-doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact’ will be permitted from 1 June.
However, any easing on lockdown restrictions and reaching “step two” of the plan is entirely dependent on whether coronavirus infection rates fall to an acceptable level, meaning that June 1 date could be pushed back.
The Premier League has been suspended since 9 March, while the final games of the season were due to take place this coming Sunday.
All 20 clubs have held extensive talks over when the season can safely resume, while some teams have already allowed players to return to the training grounds individually.
However, supporters will be unable to attend matches at stadiums and all games for the rest of the campaign are set to be played behind closed doors. In its plan, the Government has warned that the opening of stadiums and places which attract large crowds “may only be fully possible significantly later depending on the reduction in numbers of infections”.
The Premier League is aiming for matches to resume on 12 June but that plan would need to be approved by a 14-team majority. Among the proposals has been the use of eight to 10 neutral venues to stage the remaining fixtures.
But several clubs, including Watford and Norwich City, have opposed that suggestion.
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