This archive report was first published on 12 June 2020.
As the Premier League prepares to restart on 17 June, the league has outlined its plans to ensure a safe return to action. The first match will be Aston Villa v Sheffield United.
One of the key changes is that players and coaching staff will not be required to wear masks at stadiums, unlike in Germany's Bundesliga where masks are mandatory except during play.
However, the fourth official, as well as doctors and physios, will have to wear masks. The league has also announced that there will be a minute's silence to remember those who have died with coronavirus before the first matches.
Heart-shaped badges in tribute to frontline NHS staff will also be worn on kits. Clubs agreed to a range of medical and operational protocols for the restart of the season at a meeting on Thursday.
Stadiums will have strict limits on attendance, with only 300 people allowed in each stadium, including players, club staff, and officials. The 'red zone' will have no more than 110 people, including players, club staff, and officials.
There will be deep cleaning of corner flags, goalposts, substitution boards, and match balls before and after each fixture. Extra disinfection will take place during matches and at half-time, while other work will be carried out during drinks breaks if permitted by the league.
Players will be encouraged not to spit or clear their noses and not to break social distancing during goal celebrations. There will be no ball boys or girls – a system of sterilised replacement balls will be used.
Players will have to hand sanitise when they enter and leave the field of play. Clubs will be encouraged to fly on long away trips to limit the use of hotels, and every player and coach will be temperature checked before they arrive at the stadium.
