This archive report was first published on 15 May 2020.
Government Opens Door for Football Return in June ¶
On Thursday, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden met with the Football Association, Premier League, and English Football League to discuss plans for the sport's return, which could happen as early as June.
According to Dowden, the plans should include widening access for fans to view live coverage, ensuring finances from the game's resumption support the wider football family, and prioritizing the health and welfare of players, coaches, and staff.
England's deputy chief medical officer, Jonathan Van-Tam, emphasized that any return to football would be 'slow' and 'measured,' with small, carefully measured step-wise approaches to see what can be achieved safely.
Monday's meeting of Premier League clubs will take place, where top-flight players may return to initial group training under social distancing protocols.
As the Premier League has been suspended since 13 March due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most teams have nine fixtures left to play, with Brighton's boss Graham Potter expressing concerns about a return to action.
Meanwhile, the Premier League confirmed that clubs had decided to allow short-term contract extensions for players whose deals run out on 30 June, with the season set to go beyond that date.
Additionally, six League One clubs have united to express their determination to finish the season, with a meeting scheduled with the EFL board on Friday to discuss options for completing the season.
