The league is aiming for May 18 training return and June 8 season restart.
DOHA: A four-hour Premier League meeting on Friday has reaffirmed plans to complete the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting between officials took place over video-conference with the Premier League will present the plan to Government for approval.
The league is aiming for May 18 training return and June 8 season restart.
“At the meeting, the Premier League Shareholders today and clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so. It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the Premier League statement said.
“Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.”
West Ham’s London Stadium, Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium and Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium have all been mooted as potential venues once football resumes.
“The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers,” the statement added.
“The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.”
It is almost certain that games will take place behind closed doors for the foreseeable future as part of the league’s ‘Project Restart’ plan to resume playing, subject to government approval.
“No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding Project Restart,” it stated.
“It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.
The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support.”