How soon could Premier League football return?
Government is holding talks with bosses to restart matches in early June
Premier League football could return in early June after two ministers signalled government approval for the move.
Speaking on Sunday, Dominic Raab, the first secretary of state, said professional sport might be granted special dispensation to resume even while social distancing measures are in place.
Then, yesterday, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, said that he backed a swift return.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
He told parliament: “I personally have been in talks with the Premier League with a view to getting football up and running as soon as possible in order to support the whole football community. But, of course, any such moves would have to be consistent with public health guidance.”
With Premier League bosses keen to complete the season and preserve their broadcast revenues, it is thought that top-flight football could resume in England on 8 June.
Official talks between a cross-sport working group - including club medical staff - and government officials over what would be required to restart matches are part of a scheme known as “Project Restart”. Pressure to restart games is huge after it was reported that British sport faces bankruptcy the longer the lockdown lasts.
The Guardian says any medical and safety plans will have to be signed off by Public Health England and the government. Matches would be held behind closed doors at “approved” and potentially neutral stadiums.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced takeon the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Meanwhile, clubs are starting to take tentative steps back to normality. Yesterday, Arsenal, West Ham and Brighton reopened their facilities for socially distant training and Tottenham will do the same today.
However, reports the Daily Telegraph, there are a number of stumbling blocks for the return of matches, including the issue of testing. It says the “availability and accuracy of coronavirus tests” which would be required for the plan is “currently the biggest uncertainty”.
There is also the question of whether players want to return to action soon. Jeremy Wilson writes that “there is a feeling among some players that their willingness to rush back is being taken for granted”.
The Independent raises a moral dimension, pointing out that holding matches “would require removing ambulances and paramedics from the frontline, and diverting test kits from those who urgently need them”.
It is predicted that all remaining Premier League fixtures could be televised or streamed. Ministers are keen for at least some to be made available free-to-air to avoid people breaking social distancing rules by gathering to watch at a friend’s home.
Before any matches are held in the UK, Germany could lead the way.The Bundesliga is presenting a plan to the government that could see them matches return as early as 9 May.
Meanwhile, The Times reports that there are calls for a permanent rule change in the light of the coronavirus. Players should be given yellow cards if they spit during matches when football resumes because they risk spreading viruses, a Fifa council member argued yesterday.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
The Vietnamese migrants crossing the Channel
The Explainer 2024 has seen a surge in the numbers of Vietnamese migrants making the illegal passage into the UK
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
How to make the most of your leftover pumpkins
The Week Recommends As the Halloween fun wraps up, snap up pumpkins still on sale and don't leave your jack-o-lanterns to rot
By Tess Foley-Cox Published
-
How Harris and Trump differ on education
The Explainer Trump wants to disband the Department of Education. Harris wants to boost teacher pay.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Lyles wins Olympic bronze in 200m, with Covid
Speed Read American sprinter Noah Lyles collapsed after his race and later revealed he had tested positive for Covid
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Premier League's spending cap: levelling the playing field?
Talking Point Top clubs oppose plans to link spending to income of lowest-earning club, but rule could prevent success gap from widening
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is a new English football regulator an own goal for the game?
Talking Point PM hails 'historic moment for football fans' but West Ham owner warns it could 'ruin' Premier League
By The Week UK Published
-
2023-2024 Premier League predictions: champions, relegation and golden boot
feature A look at the top flight talking points and pundit picks for the new season
By Mike Starling Published
-
Man City: can ‘one of the best sides in history’ win the treble?
feature Guardiola’s Premier League champions have two more trophies in their sights
By The Week Staff Published
-
Premier League: Man City vs. Arsenal predictions
feature What the pundits say about tonight’s title race showdown at the Etihad
By Mike Starling Last updated
-
Antonio Conte leaves Tottenham after ‘extraordinary’ rant at players
feature After another year without a trophy, Spurs are now searching for a new manager
By The Week Staff Published
-
Liverpool 7 Man Utd 0: ‘welcome to Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool 2.0’
feature Anfield’s ‘new front three’ were on fire in the humbling of their bitter rivals
By Mike Starling Published