The English Premier League will only resume the 2019-20 season “when safe and appropriate to do so” it said in a statement following a video conference meeting on Friday.
The meeting involving all 20 clubs was called to discuss and evaluate plans to resume the season.
The Premier League has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus but all clubs reiterated their commitment to complete this season’s 92 remaining fixtures.
However, any return to training and competitive action will hinge on “government guidance” the league said.
If the league does return, games will be held behind closed doors in 8-10 neutral venues with no team playing in their home grounds.
“No decisions were taken at today’s meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding ‘Project Restart’,” the statement added.
“It was agreed that the Professional Footballers’ Association, the League Managers’ Association, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.
“The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019-20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the government’s support.”
It is understood that players will undergo testing twice a week and be screened for coronavirus symptoms if the league resumes before social distancing rules are relaxed.
Training grounds will be optimised for social distancing and high hygiene levels.
In addition:
- Players must arrive at training grounds in kit and wear masks at all times.
- They must not shower or eat on the premises. If clubs want to provide players with food, it must be delivered as a takeaway to players’ cars.
- Only essential medical treatment would be allowed, with all medical staff in full PPE.
- All meetings and reviews must take place virtually and off-site
