THE Premier League campaign looks certain to be completed behind closed doors — and there are fears NEXT SEASON could kick-off without fans.
Top-flight players are being told to take their annual three weeks holiday immediately in the hope of returning to training in mid-April and restarting the season on May 2.
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The NEXT Premier League season could begin with games still behind closed doorsCredit: AP:Associated Press
All English football will be suspended until at least April 30 because of the spread of coronavirus.
At a meeting of the 20 Premier League clubs yesterday — led by Prem interim chair Claudia Arney — officials were told players should take their contracted holiday now even though they will all have to remain at home in the UK.
Although incredibly ambitious at this stage, resuming on May 2 would enable the Premier League and FA Cup to finish by July 12 and then — remarkably — begin next season on August 8.
It is now accepted all remaining Premier League games will be staged behind closed doors.
And should next season start in August or even September, there are increasing doubts that the coronavirus situation could improve enough to have full stadiums.
A joint statement released yesterday confirmed the season at all levels is suspended until April 30 — and that the normal cut-off point of June 1 no longer applies.
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The statement read: “The FA, Premier League, EFL and women’s professional game, together with the PFA and LMA, are united in our commitment to finding ways of resuming the 2019-20 football season as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.
“The FA’s rules and regulations state that ‘the season shall terminate not later than June 1’.
“However, our board has agreed for this limit to be extended indefinitely for the 2019-20 season in relation to professional football.
“Additionally, we’ve agreed the professional game in England will be further postponed until no earlier than April 30.”
Uefa have already agreed to scrap this summer’s Euro 2020, allowing domestic leagues to be finished.
The 20 Prem clubs are likely to meet again in the next few weeks to see where they stand on the current crisis.
Arsene Wenger believes the Premier League will recommence when it’s safe
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
