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The Premier League is slated for a decisive vote on May 8 as talks continue about ways to end the 2019-20 season, sources told ESPN.
Representatives from the 20 clubs participated in a four-hour video conference on Friday in which they reaffirmed their commitment to complete the campaign whenever the coronavirus pandemic allows it.
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Various options were discussed, but the league confirmed that nothing had been finalized and that talks are still ongoing.
A source involved in the talks told ESPN that a firm government instruction was necessary to find a clear path forward. Once provided, a vote is expected on whether and how the season should be completed.
Various topics were explored on Friday, including where the matches will be played and the logistics of matches behind closed doors.
Sources have told ESPN that several clubs expressed strong opposition to the idea of neutral venues, despite the fact that this model would theoretically be easier to monitor and control than local and away matches that could encourage fans to meet outside the stadiums.
However, the question of the integrity of the competition was raised, specifically all teams benefiting from the home advantage, while there were also indications that the clubs would help cover the cost of Personal Protective Equipment for staff from the game day and player testing if necessary.
It has been estimated that around 100,000 tests are required to safely resume the first four levels of English football. The British government tested to reach that number nationwide in late April. On April 30, he announced that 81,000 tests had been conducted.
However, the capacity will be greatly increased and the government’s shift to contact tracing (tracing and testing infected people before isolating them) would create a more responsive environment for the idea of testing targeting a specific area, in this case, football.
A government-established medical task force was created to help explore these problems and also met “to intensify planning of what might need to be done to allow athletes to return to training, when it is considered safe to do so,” according to to the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
“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,” said a Premier League statement.
“It was reiterated that everyone’s thoughts are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Furthermore, the priority of the Premier League is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the community at large.
“The League and clubs are considering tentative first steps forward and will only train and play again with the guidance of the Government, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and coaches.”
“The League welcomed the creation of the government’s medical task force for the return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.
“No decisions were made at today’s shareholders meeting and the clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding the ‘project restart.’
“It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.
“The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to end the 2019-20 season, maintaining the integrity of the competition, and appreciated the government’s support.”
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s statement Thursday that the country was “beyond the peak” has raised hopes that his government will soon ease the blockade measures that have been in place for several weeks.
The date the government has declared it will review the closure is May 7, which provides more clarity for the clubs when they reconvene the day after.
The EFL announced that the youth academy season in England has ended due to the COVID-19 crisis, including matches under 23 and the Central League, a competition for reserve team players seeking to enter their respective first teams.
In other parts of Europe, the main divisions are suspended or canceled. Paris Saint-Germain has been declared the champion of Ligue 1 with the league season canceled, while the Eredivisie in the Netherlands has also ended, but without a crowned champion.
