The Premier League will return on June 12 with games to be played behind closed doors at neutral grounds, if the Government gives the green light amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
On Friday, a video conference meeting was held between the 20 “shareholder” Premier League clubs and they discussed the rules and regulations upon the return for training, as well as matches being played behind closed doors due to the global crisis.
West Ham’s London Stadium including Arsenal’s Emirates and the Etihad home of Manchester City are likely going to be the final venues where the games will be played. But no club will be allowed to play in their own home ground.
Premier League clubs are already planning to start some form of formal training from May 18, with a target for the return of games to resume the season on June 12.
A league statement said: ‘At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community. The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers. The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning. No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding Project Restart. It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.’