This archive report was first published on 11 May 2020.
On May 11, 2020, the UK government announced a plan to ease the coronavirus lockdown, paving the way for the return of elite sports in England from June 1.
The Premier League had been planning for a return to action no earlier than the week beginning June 8, but the new roadmap could see matches resume as early as June 1.
Under the plan, sporting events would be allowed to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact.
However, the return of elite sports is subject to sufficient progress being made in limiting the spread of the virus.
English top-flight clubs were talking on Monday about a possible resumption despite growing disquiet among players over safety issues and divisions over proposals on how to finish the season.
Before the resumption of matches can be considered, protocols need to be agreed on how to return to group training safely and on how the Premier League would deal with positive tests.
Clubs stand to lose an estimated £1 billion ($1.2 billion) if the season is not finished, £760 million of which comes from TV contracts that would be satisfied if games were played behind closed doors.
Financial worries are also causing divisions among the 20 top-flight clubs, which could end the chances of a return to action.
