PREM clubs remain locked in disagreement over whether to play out the season at neutral grounds – despite the government go ahead for matches behind closed doors.
The latest virtual meeting of the 20 “shareholder” clubs saw familiar territory being contested by the conflicting factions.
Chelsea winger Willian is one of several Prem stars out of contract on June 30Credit: PA:Press Association
But it is understood that there were no obvious signs that any clubs had “changed sides” while tempers were said to have remained under control.
Today’s meeting lasted a fraction under four hours, with clubs only voting to confirm the go ahead for clubs to extend the contracts of players whose current deals run out in June 30.
That will enable players to stay on until the end of the season if they wish to do so and can agree terms.
It also means deals of on-loan players can be extended as well, although both clubs and the player will have to assent for the extension of agreements between two Prem clubs.
But the substantive and divisive issue of finishing the season at neutral grounds remains a significant bone of contention.
A majority of clubs accept the police position that it is not possible to play out the remaining 92 games in the designated home stadiums, with significant concerns over fans congregating around those grounds in more congested areas.
Clubs have spent the past 10 days arguing over the proposal for 8-10 neutral venues to be used, with no team playing in their home stadium.
That is being resisted by half a dozen sides, with Brighton, Watford and Aston Villa going public in their opposition.
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But insiders suggested that today’s discussion, which was said to have been “respectful” in tone, did not demonstrate any obvious changes in the opinion of the clubs that had been considered potential waverers.
So far the Big Six have remained united in their belief that the show must go on, even if that means neutral venues.
Today’s meeting lasted so long that the new government advice, giving the green light for matches to be played behind closed doors from June 1, was published while the discussions, which began at 10.30am, were still being concluded.
Prem bosses are still targeting a June 12 start, allowing them to complete the season, played out over the space of seven weekends with two midweek fixture dates, by the end of July.
That can only happen, though – unless there is a change of police guidance – if there is a two thirds majority in favour of the neutral grounds issue.
It means a minority of seven clubs could block the plan with the key vote now expected to be held next Monday.
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Premier League officials have moved ahead with plans to extend player contracts until the new end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
But while the opponents remain resolute in their position, League chiefs believe they still retain sufficient support for the proposal to be passed.
The clubs also discussed the medical protocols required for a return to training and then playing over the coming weeks.
While there was an outline agreement over the concepts required, some clubs do still have issues that need to be addressed and further meetings with players and the PFA are planned over the coming 48 hours.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
