This archive report was first published on 20 April 2020.
Published on April 20, 2020, the Premier League's plan to restart the season without fans has raised concerns about the number of staff needed to ensure a safe and successful return to action.
According to a West Ham executive, at least 300 people will be required in Premier League stadiums even if games are played without fans when the coronavirus-halted season can resume.
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady expressed her concerns in her column in Saturday's editions of The Sun newspaper, stating that police officers will need to be at games even if they are behind closed doors, as some supporters will travel to the stadium, even if they cannot come in to watch.
Brady also highlighted the challenges of ensuring the health and safety of all individuals at the stadium, including security, staff, medical officers, players, referees, and media, who will have to undergo temperature checks, fill out health questionnaires, and observe social distancing.
She questioned how long it will take for players to regain fitness, given the restrictions on physical match-play training due to social-distancing rules.
West Ham is currently 16th in the 20-team table and out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
