Premier League cleared for June 17

English Premier League football received government approval to press ahead with its June 17 restart although players will have to stay apart during goal celebrations and disputes to maintain social distancing.

Further details of the league’s plans for dealing with coronavirus cases were disclosed at the weekend with clubs likely to have to play even if they only have 15 fit squad members.

In a further boost to the league’s restart plans, there were no positives in the fourth round of twice-weekly testing. Tests were conducted on 1130 players and club personnel on Friday and Saturday as contact training resumed.

The government said, where possible, social distancing must be maintained at games including ‘‘during any disputes between players and referees, or scoring celebrations.’’

But there is a recognition players will not always be able to stay two metres apart while playing.

‘‘There is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved,’’ Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.

‘‘This includes consulting with our clubs, players and managers – along with all our other stakeholders – as the health and welfare of our participants and supporters is our priority.

‘‘If all goes well, we will be thrilled to resume the 2019-20 season in just over two weeks’ time.’’

But the police still want Liverpool’s key games – before they almost certainly clinch the trophy – to be played away from the city and in neutral stadiums.

Liverpool are two wins from ending their 30-year title drought, 25 points clear with nine games to go.

‘‘We need to ensure people don’t congregate around stadiums,’’ Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said at a Downing Street news conference.

Clubs agreed during a conference call on Friday to restart on June 17 but West Ham vice chair Karren Brady said the latest virtual meeting of club executives featured a long discussion about ‘‘what constitutes having a team fit enough to compete in the games left to play.’’

Having only four substitutes was deemed sufficient.

‘There are obvious and genuine concerns about what happens to your match results if your club has a number of players testing positive for coronavirus, or is in selfisolation, and as a result you simply cannot field your usual or strongest starting XI,’’ Brady wrote in The Sun newspaper.

‘‘Well, as long as you have 15 fit players (including one goalkeeper) made up from either your 25-man squad list or from your under-21s you will be deemed to have a team fit enough to fulfill the fixture.’’

The Premier League season is now due to end on the weekend of July 25-26, more than two months after originally scheduled.