25/04 - 20:00
The Premier League today took its first steps towards resuming the 2019/20 season behind closed doors as all shareholders unanimously voted to restart small-group training tomorrow afternoon.
The league’s ‘project restart’ plans now look set to take shape, with hopes of the season resuming in the latter stages of next month, provided there are no hiccups as training and match preparation steps up.
The Premier League’s statement reads, “Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted.
“This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the Government.
“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”
Step One of the protocol means socially distant individual training can resume tomorrow afternoon, provided entire squads test negative for the Covid-19 virus.
Then, on a week-by-week basis, larger groups will be allowed to train together, small groups of six will be the next step, followed by normal 11 v 11 sessions in a lead up to resuming the season.
The Bundesliga returned this weekend in what many deemed a successful comeback from lockdown, but Germany is further along in their time dealing with the virus, while they have far fewer cases and deaths.
It remains to be seen how England and the Premier League will cope, but with the league and UEFA declaring seasons will be decided on sporting merit, teams will be desperate to get back playing as soon as possible.
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from Tuesday afternoon – the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2020
Full statement: https://t.co/8F3qJxZssV pic.twitter.com/nEdWoQ8EGI
