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The Premier League season is still on hold due to the coronavirus crisis, but plans to resume the 2019/20 campaign are being discussed in the near future.
There are still 92 matches to play in the top flight, and ideally all those games will be played behind closed doors to complete the season, but there are many questions about what’s to come.
Here, we have answered some of those questions and put together what we know so far.
How long has the season been suspended?
Manchester City vs. Arsenal at Etihad Stadium on March 11 was the first game to be suspended due to the coronavirus crisis, and the following first-class games the following weekend followed suit.
Matches in the EFL, FA Cup and UEFA competitions would soon follow, with the European Championship planned for this summer postponed until 2021 to give leagues the ability to complete the season in the summer months, if it’s possible.
When will the Premier League resume?
After a meeting on May 1, it was reiterated that the Premier League will only resume when the government and medical guidance safely allow it and when it is “safe and appropriate.”
No deadline has been set for league resumption, nor an end date, and the Premier League remains determined to complete the season to prevent it from being canceled entirely.
A league statement said: “At a Premier League shareholder meeting today, the clubs discussed possible steps to plan the resumption of the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.”
Another meeting and announcement is expected next week, following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s last speech on Sunday, which could make or break the league’s plans.
Will the season be canceled?
The Premier League is desperate to play the remaining matches and is eager to prevent the campaign from being declared null and void, which has already been witnessed in the Dutch Eredivisie.
The cost of canceling the season could be up to £ 1 billion, Chief Executive Richard Masters said, as it could lead broadcasters to search for millions that have already paid to the Premier League.
What could happen with the season?
A number of options have been promoted, including playing games behind closed doors on neutral grounds, and the government is unlikely to grant approval to play games at the local stadium.
Eight to ten venues could be used, with matches at staggered start times daily in a move called a “soccer festival,” allowing more matches to be televised.
What has the government said?
The government says there are ongoing talks to get Premier League football up and running as quickly as possible amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden says his department is leading discussions on how professional sport can be restarted if the blocking restrictions are eased.
Dowden, speaking at a parliamentary questioning session for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, said: “Personally, I have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to launching football as soon as possible to support the entire community. soccer
“But, of course, any such move should be consistent with the public health orientation.”
What are the problems?
Several Premier League doctors have expressed concern about the plans and are seeking guarantees related to the safety of everyone involved in soccer.
Doctors have prepared a 100-point letter to Premier League medical adviser Mark Gillett and football director Richard Garlick, listing potential problems in resuming the season during the coronavirus pandemic.
Several high-level clubs have already returned to training with plans to start playing again in June, and there is concern that some are already breaking social distancing guidelines.
Other issues raised include the approval of guidelines that still carry the threat of death, liability, evidence and insurance, transmission of the virus through sweat gloves and doormen, an increased risk for BAME employees (black, Asian and minority) and emergency capacity. services to handle training incidents on the ground.
What else has the Premier League said?
A statement dated April 3 said: “In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs agreed to Unanimously consult your players on a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 percent of total annual compensation.
“This guide will be kept under constant review as circumstances change.
“The league will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union will join a meeting to be held tomorrow. [April 4] between the league, players and club representatives. “
He added: “Discussions were also held regarding short-term financial support for clubs, and while there is no one-size-fits-all solution, steps must be taken to immediately address the impact of the drop in cash flow.
“Critically, the league unanimously voted to advance £ 125 million in funding for the EFL and the National League, as it is aware of the serious difficulties that clubs across the football pyramid are currently experiencing.”
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