English Premier League to return as other top Leagues undecided
The English Premier League has agreed in finishing the season in a 40-day window in many other issues that were discussed by clubs present at the meeting on Friday.
Top-flight clubs remain committed to playing all 92 remaining fixtures this season but did not discuss a deadline by which action must resume.
The Premier League said it “remains our objective” to complete matches but currently “all dates are tentative”.
The league has been suspended since 13 March because of coronavirus.
In a statement, the Premier League said “in common with other businesses and industries” clubs were “working through complex planning scenarios”.
“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models,” it added.
“It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage, all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.”
Other top leagues are yet to reach conclusion on the next line of action.
Germany’s Bundesliga: Clubs have returned to training but the season is still suspended until 30 April.
Spain’s La Liga: There will be no training until emergency measures in place are lifted and La Liga president Javier Tebas says resuming play on 28 May is a best-case scenario.
France’s Ligue 1: French football authorities are considering restarting Ligue 1 on 3 or 17 June, with the latter date the more likely, according to sports daily L’Equipe.
Italy’s Serie A: The Italian Football Federation (IFF) hopes to begin testing players for the virus at the start of May, in preparation for the season to resume.
In a related development, UEFA will meet next week to further discuss plans which include potentially using the Champions League final to end the 2019-20 season on 29 August.
