Fans to return in couple of months

From Back Page to resolve promotion and relegation scenarios as well as fulfil broadcasting contracts.

Prior to Project Restart, leading health officials had suggested fans might not be allowed back to games until a vaccine for the virus had been found.

But the

can reveal that the success of the return of football, coupled with an easing of the pandemic, has given bosses genuine hope that some supporters might be allowed to attend top-flight games again within the next three months.

It is understood that League chiefs have contacted all 20 top-flight clubs to discuss the possible scenario that would see a fixed percentage of supporters returning to games for next season. The figure suggested is between 20 and 30 per cent.

A ballot system is being considered to be put in place to decide who is chosen so the process is deemed fair and acceptable.

There are no plans to give priority to season ticket holders, sponsors or corporate members.

The one stumbling block could be the time it would take those supporters provided with tickets to get into stadiums before kick-off.

Strict protocols would involve those in question being given health checks including a temperature test, having to fill in a questionnaire, go through a scanner and have any bags searched before entry to the ground is permitted in good time before kick off.

Discussions are ongoing between the Premier League, clubs and Government bosses in the hope of formulating a plan that works, although this would still depend on if there is to be a second spike of the virus in the coming weeks.