Affirmative reports are adding a positive spin that the Premier League is planning to continue the 2019-20 season on 8 June having shared its plan for a return to playing with shareholders last week, according to The Times .
The report has asserted that the FA have been in discussions with the British government who have the final say.
The kick off on 8 June will be behind closed doors only at select “approved” venues, and will be completed by 27 July. 22 August has also been set in place as the start date for the 2020-21season.
To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the number of grounds used would be minimised and the necessary requirements for policing, medical services and testing stringently and carefully met.
A total of 92 Premier League matches have yet to be played, and any decision to abandon the remainder of the season – as the Dutch Eredivisie has done – would be financially disastrous. As it were, most clubs have already resorted to measures like furloughing staff and cutting down players’ salaries to help the financial impact.
It is also understood that the Premier League is in discussions over how best to broadcast matches with fans set to be kept out due to social distancing concerns.
Of the 92 games remaining this season, 47 are already set to be aired between Sky Sports and BT Sport under existing contracts. With regards to the remaining 45 fixtures, the Premier League is said to be in discussions with the broadcasters involved, along with other UK package holders BBC and Amazon, on how those matches might be broadcast.
Understandably, any decisions to be made would require consent and support from stakeholders. So far it is unclear whether matches would be shown on a free-to-air basis.
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward addressed the issue during a quarterly fans forum held via conference call on Friday, saying the club was hopeful of being able to complete the 2019-20 season with or without fans in attendance.
“Like all of you, we are eager to see the team return to the field as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so, hopefully to complete a season which still held so much promise for us in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup when it was suspended,” Woodward said.
“We are in constant dialogue with our governing bodies about when and how that will happen and we will continue to engage with this forum to keep fans consulted.
“And while it may be that games need to be played behind closed doors in the shorter term, we all recognise that football will not be fully back to normal until supporters are once again in attendance.”