The English Premier League (EPL) after a pro-long meeting yesterday came to a unanimous conclusion that clubs can resume small group training. Richard Garlick the league director of football in EPL he said: “Gradually, we aim to ramp that up so we can have an inspector at every training ground.”
He also said: “That will enable us to give confidence the protocols are being complied with.” “We are looking at bringing in our own independent audit inspection team that we’ll scale up over the next few days which will give us the ability to have inspections at training grounds to start with on a no-notice basis.”
The League chief executive Richard Masters said that a trophy presentation for the title winners, which is most likely to be Liverpool, remains part of the plans. He said: “We would try to do it unless it wasn’t possible because of safety concerns.”
At the meeting, EPL clubs agreed to stage one of the return-to-training protocols. As well as training in small groups. The EPL clubs also agreed that at most five players will be training, and sessions must last no longer than 75 minutes for each player, all to adhere to social distancing.
The English Premier League (EPL) said the first stage of the Project Restart has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, club doctors, independent experts and the government. They agreed to resume on the 12th of June.
A Premier League statement added: “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 [Professional Footballers’ Association] and LMA [League Managers’ Association] as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”
All Premier League clubs are to carry out a coronavirus tests on Sunday and Monday before every training. He said: “12 June was a staging post; it wasn’t a firm commitment and what we don’t want to do is continue to move it around.
“It’s been a really difficult time, but I hope with the news that phase one is about to start – and I must stress that phase one looks as if it’s as safe as it can be – I’m sure everyone will be delighted that we’re trying to make that effort,” he told NUFC TV.
“Everything is in place in the safety aspect. I’ve got no issues and I can tell the supporters the players and the staff are as safe as we possibly can be.” The English Premier League (EPL) resumption and training pattern will take the format below.
- 19 May: Players may return to group training under social distancing protocols
- 25 May: Uefa deadline for leagues to have finalised plan for restarting seasons
- 1 June: Government date for possible return of elite sport behind closed doors
- 12 June: Premier League initially aiming to return with first fixture
