Oliver
Dowden, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, says the
government is "opening the door" for football to return in June.
The Premier League has begun planning for matches to be played behind doors
due to the coronavirus pandemic - and players may be set to return to
training next week.
Safety measures will be put in place and Dowden says the sport's plans have
the government's support, as long as safety remains paramount.
He hosted a meeting with football authorities on Thursday and says: "We all
agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and
welfare of players, coaches and staff comes first.
"The government is opening the door for competitive football to return
safely in June.
"This should include widening access for fans to view live coverage and
ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football
family.
"It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail
of their plans, and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their
fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.
"The government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and
support to the game ahead of any final decision which would put these plans
into action."
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam suggested at Thursday's
government briefing no date should yet be inked for the sport to resume.
Asked about the possible return of football on June 12, Van Tam said: "The
overall approach has been tentative, measured, slow, and that is exactly the
plan that is underway for all of elite sport, not just football.
"Small, carefully measured approaches to seeing what can be achieved safely.
"We will have to see how that goes before it is time to move on, or even
think about moving on, to the return of competitive football matches.
"We have to be slow, we have to be measured."
Safety and teamwork needed for football's
return
Analysis by Bryan Swanson, Chief Reporter, Sky Sports News
This was a chance for English football to update the government,
collectively, on the significant impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The game's top administrators received further reassurances that a
resumption of games is supported, when it is safe to do so.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden stressed the need for "combined goodwill"
and teamwork is key.
The government is well aware that football makes a significant contribution
to the UK economy. HMRC receives more than £3 billion per season from
Premier League clubs in taxes, including more than £1 billion from players'
salaries.
We are still no clearer to knowing exactly when football will restart, but
the target remains in June.
Premier League clubs have still to formally approve a return to training
next week, in a sterile non-contact environment. Each club has to provide a
Covid-19 focused occupational health risk assessment by May 15.
A shareholders meeting on Monday should provide clarity on the first
tentative steps of 'Project Restart'.
The English Football League [EFL] board has informed clubs in the
Championship, League One and League Two a return to training should not take
place until May 25 at the earliest.
The financial impact on the game was discussed, and the Football Association
is well aware of the enormous strain, particularly on the lower leagues.
Premier League clubs agreed in April to advance £125m of funds to the EFL
and National League. English football's governing body has always indicated
the need for teamwork.
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters told MPs clubs are losing
revenue at an 'unprecedented level', and said the competition faces a loss
of at least £1 billion if they fail to complete this season.
He also warned heavy losses have to be 'dealt with' or clubs and other
businesses who depend on football for income will 'go out of business'.
EFL chairman Rick Parry has told MPs their clubs face a £200m financial hole
by September.
These are unpredictable and anxious times for everybody.
English football needs to work more closely than ever before if it is to
stand any chance of recovering from the huge financial impact of an
international emergency.
But the message from the government is clear - the safety of all
participants must always remain the No 1 priority.
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