Premier League clubs resume training ahead of a possible June return
Written by News on 19/05/2020
Premier League clubs resuming training in small groups from today, with a return to top-flight football edging closer, amid the coronavirus pandemic.
League officials, medical experts and representatives from all 20 sides held talks on Monday via a video conference call and agreed to stage one of the return to training protocols.
Stage one enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing but contact training is not yet permitted.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says they expect to have the first batch of COVID-19 test results by 2pm on Tuesday and training can start to begin once that happens.
He also said there remains flexibility over the league resuming on June 12, and players’ fitness levels will be taken into consideration when that decision is made.
“I think once you know when you can start full contact training, and we’ve had a proper discussion about clubs over how much is required to create the fitness levels before they can start playing, you’re then in a position to confirm when the season start date is,” he said.
“We haven’t changed the start date, we have to be flexible about it. What we don’t want to do is continually to move that start date. So, we haven’t changed it but we need to be flexible and acknowledge we’re in a step-by-step process.”
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Spreaker
In a statement, the Premier League said: “This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.
“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
“The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.
“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”
The Premier League also said it will support a trophy presentation whoever is crowned champions if it is safe to do so.
That is almost certain to be Liverpool, who are 25 points clear at the top of the table and only need two more wins to clinch their first top-flight title in 30 years should the domestic season get back underway.
(c) Sky News 2020: Premier League clubs resume training ahead of a possible June return
