This archive report was first published on 23 May 2020.
On May 23, 2020, the Scottish Football Association chief executive Ian Maxwell expressed optimism about the return of football in Scotland. He stated that a return to action in August is likely.
Maxwell's comments came after the 2019/20 Premiership season was ended earlier this week. The season was declared over on Monday, with Celtic crowned champions for a record-equalling ninth consecutive season.
Maxwell's optimism is shared by players, who are eager to return to action. Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, a French World Cup winner, expressed his desire to return to the pitch. 'I can't wait,' he said. 'We are just waiting for the green light.'
However, national clinical director Jason Leitch warned that professional sport would have to go through a number of stages before a return to competitive action. Leitch stated that no dates had been attached to the phases, but they may be three weeks apart if everything goes well.
England's Premier League is targeting a restart in June, hoping to follow in the footsteps of Germany's Bundesliga. Players in England have started training in small groups, observing social-distancing measures.
