THE Premier League returns on June 17, however the coronavirus pandemic means a whole host of temporary changes are in place before the action begins.
The comeback has been titled ‘Project Restart’ and is set to come with new rules.
Training sessions have been underway for some weeksCredit: Tim Goode/PA Wire
There are only be tweaks to the scheduling of the Premier League, but also to the way the game is played.
The changes come in order to abide by social distancing rules, both in training and during matches and to protect players and staff during this time.
Which measures will be enforced during training?
The Bundesliga has already kicked off and have set their own rules into place with the Premier League following suit.
Prem players were originally only allowed to train in groups of five and for an hour at a time.
They had to arrive in their training kit and did not have access to the shared changing rooms or shower facilities.
Now, full contact workouts are allowed but with social distancing measures elsewhere.
What’s with the talk of ‘neutral playing grounds’ and ‘lockdown hotels’?
There was originally talk of ‘neutral playing grounds’Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Neutral playing grounds were discussed as a means of playing matches without fans congregating outside.
Police forces around the country accepted that they were not necessary a few weeks before the restart.
Lockdown hotels have been enforced in German football, for example, but not in the Premier League.
How many substitutes will be allowed?
Up to five subs will be allowed
Due to the limited preparation, players are more likely to burn out or sustain more injuries.
In preparation for this happening a temporary rule of having more substitutes will be introduced.
FIVE subs will be able to be used, limited to three opportunities to make changes during games.
Furthermore, nine players can be named on the bench.
Will players be allowed to celebrate together?
Celebrations like this will become less commonCredit: Getty Images
While the customary pre-match handshakes and huddles have been dropped as a social distancing precaution, celebrations follow no official rules.
Players have been advised to avoid climbing over eachother at such moments but will not be punished for doing so.
How often will players be tested for coronavirus?
Corners and set-pieces will likely stay the same as players jostle for positionCredit: Getty Images
All players will be tested and screened repeatedly. The Premier League are paying Hong Kong based company Prenetics around £4 million for 40,000 home-testing kits.
Any player who tests positive must self-isolate for seven days.
Sterilising the ball
Credit: REUTERS/Miguel Vidal/File Photo
The Premier League is starting later than LaLiga and the Bundesliga which means they can use their ideas as well.
That includes ensuring the matchball will be sterilised at regular intervals after fears being raised about it being touched by potentially infected players.
Sex bans and age restrictions
Roy Hodgson was told he may not be able to sit in the dugoutCredit: Getty Images
Anyone over the age of 70 were originally told to self-isolate according to government rules.
This group were initially not allowed to go to games, potentially affecting Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and Manchester City coach Brian Kidd.
However they are now allowed in and the much-touted ‘sex ban’ has not come to fruition.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
