PLAYERS may be interviewed at half-time and cameras placed in dressing rooms as part of the Premier League’s plans to revamp broadcasts in Project Restart.
The lack of fans in games played behind closed doors has reportedly led to fresh options being considered by networks and game bosses.
Finding the best way to broadcast from behind closed doors is key to football’s restartCredit: Getty Images – Getty
According to The Sunday Times, players and managers could be put up for interviews before games and at half-time to provide fans with more insight into the action.
Champions League broadcasts already feature interviews with coaches in the tunnel at half-time.
Current rules place discretion over dressing room cameras with clubs, meaning no live broadcasts are transmitted, although Tottenham have allowed Amazon to film their squad as part of a documentary series.
But a working group of teams and broadcasters are said to be considering changes to the rules once games restart.
Other proposals have previously been reported including utilising camera positions that would usually block fans’ views as well as camera angles that do not expose the thousands of empty seats.
Plans are afoot to restart training across the division during May before a kick-off on June 12, completing the 2019/20 calendar by the end of July.
Premier League officials are expecting Government guidelines on easing the country’s lockdown on Thursday, with Westminster’s approval of recommencing action 100 per cent necessary.
Neutral venues are widely thought to be important in seeing out the campaign after league bosses were reportedly informed that the police would not allow the Sports Grounds Safety Authority to hand out licenses to all 20 teams.
Also up for discussion has been the timings of broadcasts, with the reversal of English football’s 3pm blackout said to be under consideration.
However The Sunday Times adds that prospects of games being made free-to-air are low at this time.
Premier League clubs have agreed to play at eight neutral venues if the Government agrees football can restart
Matches themselves could also be handed new guidelines to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A ban on spitting has been advised by a number of medical experts, including Arsenal doctor Gary O’Driscoll and Fifa medical committee chairman Michel D’Hooghe.
Fifa could also allow five substitutes in a temporary change of football law amid concerns of players suffering injuries if they are rushed back to action.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
