This archive report was first published on 5 May 2020.
On May 5, 2020, the head of the English Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) floated the idea of playing shorter matches to alleviate the burden on players if the season can resume.
Despite severe concerns over player welfare, English clubs remain committed to completing the campaign.
Players may be required to undergo up to three coronavirus tests per week and stay in hotel quarantine away from their families for several weeks to minimize the risk of infection.
With 92 Premier League matches still to be played, players could have limited time to prepare for group training before being rushed back into playing twice a week.
FIFA has proposed increasing the number of substitutes allowed per side from three to five to reduce the risk of fatigue and injuries for players upon their return.
“Safety has to be paramount,” PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor told the BBC.
He emphasized the need to wait and see the proposals before making a decision, allowing managers, coaches, and players to assimilate the information and come to a considered view.
The Premier League's “Project Restart” has been met with resistance over plans for all remaining games to take place at up to 10 neutral venues.
Chairman of the English Football League (EFL) Rick Parry warned that denying promotion to three Championship clubs could lead to legal battles.
