English Premier League clubs have agreed in a unanimous vote to begin stage one of the return to training protocols which allows teams to start training in small groups from Tuesday.

The vote was held at Monday’s “Project Restart” meeting and is in line with an expected return to action on 12 June.

Players must observe social distancing rules, and contact training is not permitted.

The first stage “has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, club doctors, independent experts and the government” a Premier League statement said.

“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.

“The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process.

“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed,” the Premier League statement added.

Just like in Germany’s Bundesliga which became the first major European league to resume last weekend, the Premier League has outlined health and safety protocols to safeguard players and backroom staff.

The official protocols state that corner-flags, balls, cones, goalposts and even playing surfaces will be disinfected after each training session.

Other measures include twice-weekly testing and a daily pre-training questionnaire and temperature check.

Clubs have been carrying out coronavirus testing this weekend.

The move to return to training follows a similar move by Spain’s La Liga which resumed group training on Monday.

UEFA has mandated member associations to declare how they intend to conclude the 2019/2020 season by 25 May.