Clubs give the green light for a return to training

PREMIER League clubs have unanimously approved plans to resume training in small groups from today as part of the competition’s Project Restart strategy.

Players must practise social distancing at all times, the league said, with contact training not permitted at this stage.

Testing for coronavirus at topflight clubs has taken place over the last two days, and will continue throughout the training period and the return to match action in a bid to make the environment as safe as possible for all concerned.

The league was suspended on March 13 but no date for a resumption has yet been fixed. The protocols were presented to players and managers on conference calls last week. A Premier League statement read: “Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.

“The health and well-being of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a stepby-step process. Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for fullcontact training are developed.” Meanwhile, The Football Association is continuing to discuss the termination of the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship seasons with clubs.

Both leagues have been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic and the FA say there will be “significant challenges” in restarting.

They will continue talks on how best to end the campaign and settle the final league standings with sporting merit.

An FA statement read: “Following an assessment of the protocols required to return to football and feedback from clubs, which is crucial to any decision-making process, it is clear that there will be significant challenges in completing the 2019/20 season. “We are continuing to consult with the clubs on the possibility of terminating the 2019/20 season and, in the event it is decided that this appears to be the only realistic way forward, to seek views on the most appropriate sporting outcome for the season. This includes identifying entries for the 2020/21 UEFA Women’s Champions League, which would be based on sporting merit from the 2019/20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League season.”

The crisis looks set to hit clubs hard financially and the FA has vowed to support them so women’s football can “thrive” in the future.

“Our primary concern has always been for the welfare of the clubs and players; and working collaboratively to identify the most suitable and appropriate way to return to football,” the statement added.

Strict medical protocols will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.