This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Britain's Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has cast a shadow over the Premier League's hopes of resuming play, warning that the league does not yet have the 'green light' to do so.
Speaking on BBC Radio on Friday, May 8, 2020, Dowden emphasized that public safety must come first, and that the league will only be able to proceed if they are confident of it.
Clubs are due to meet on Monday to discuss the latest plans for 'Project Restart', a day after an expected minor easing of coronavirus lockdown measures.
However, those at risk of relegation have raised concerns that the integrity of the competition would be compromised by the neutral-venue plan, which is being considered as a way to limit the strain on essential services and discourage gatherings of supporters near stadiums.
Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand has also weighed in on the debate, saying that there is no viable resolution that would satisfy all 20 clubs.
“People are going to feel at a disadvantage if certain decisions are made but I don’t think the Premier League can have a wholehearted 100 percent win on this no matter what decision they make, which is unfortunate,” he told the Press Association.
