The
Premier League will hold further talks this week, as it targets a return
behind closed doors in June - and it has the backing of the government.
All 20 clubs will hold their latest conference call on Friday, armed with
the knowledge that the country's political leaders are also keen for the
season to resume when possible.
The Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Secretary Oliver Dowden said in the
House of Commons: "I personally have been in talks with the Premier League,
with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order
to support the whole football community.
"But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public
health guidance."
The government's next review of current lockdown restrictions is due on May
7, as detailed planning continues under a 'Project Restart' programme.
Prime minister Boris Johnson said on Monday: "I ask you to contain your
impatience."
Johnson says the UK is "making progress" and "beginning to turn the tide"
against the coronavirus pandemic but urged people to maintain social
distancing restrictions.
Sport will only resume when the government is satisfied its own measures are
in place.
The Premier League, along with other sports, will have to meet specific
criteria before a return including testing arrangements for participants,
paid for by sporting authorities or clubs, and ensuring measures are in
place to avoid fans gathering outside matches.
It has yet to be decided whether games will resume at approved stadiums, or
at a neutral venue such as St George's Park.
The Premier League remains committed to completing the remaining 92 games of
the season, in line with UEFA's recommendation.
Neville: Players must get heads around
having no fans
"It's going to be strange," Neville said on The Football Show. "It's an
awful experience when you are used to playing in front of big crowds. The
Premier League lives off its stadium experience, the adrenaline gets pumping
for the players and the fans get behind it.
"But we are going to be playing behind closed doors for months and months -
probably into next year. We have to get our heads around that."
How many people are needed for a football
match?
Sky Sports' Gerard Brand...
'The answer, as you'd expect, varies.
'Some reports suggest a Premier League game needs anything between 250 and
500 personnel present, whereas lower down in the Football League there has
been suggestions that anything between 100 and 180 are needed in a stadium.
'As well as around 60-70 staff on the playing and officiating side, matchday
and safety staff take up a large chunk, as well as at least 70 broadcast
media for live televised games, 40 for non-live games, plus written press if
deemed essential.
'In Germany, detailed guidelines have been published claiming a maximum of
322 people are needed in and around stadiums for a football match to go
ahead.'
Project restart: What's the state of play
across Europe?
With football suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, what is the current
situation around Europe's top leagues?
England - Premier League
The Premier League will hold further talks this week, as it targets a return
behind closed doors in June.
Scotland - Premiership
The SPFL board is due to meet on Monday afternoon for the first time since
April 10, when all 42 SPFL clubs voted on proposals to conclude the season
below the top division.
Italy - Serie A
Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced professional sports
teams can resume training on May 18 with Serie A potentially resuming in
June.
Germany - Bundesliga
The Bundesliga is ready to return on May 9 if the German government gives it
the green light, league officials have confirmed.
Netherlands - Eredivisie
The Dutch Eredivisie season has been ended with immediate effect, meaning
league leaders Ajax have been denied the title. There will also be no
promotion to the Dutch Eredivisie or relegation from the top flight,
following an agreement reached over a video conference call between the
Dutch FA (KNVB) and clubs.
top