Football’s June restart hope

THE Premier League and Championship have been given the green light from the Government to return behind closed doors from June 1, meaning Derby County moved a step closer to resuming their campaign.

Football has been on hold since mid-march due to the coronavirus crisis but the intention has always remained for the 2019-20 campaign to be concluded when it was deemed safe to do so. However, plans have hinged on government approval and according to the latest guidance issued yesterday, matches will be able to be played for broadcast.

The guidance states: “Cultural and sporting events to take place behind closed doors for broadcast, while avoiding the risk of largescale social contact.”

While this is a significant boost for both the Premier League and EFL, there is still plenty to be decided before matches can take place, with questions remaining on the safety of the players and staff required for televised matches to take place.

The second part of the statement could also be key.

It states “avoiding the risk of large-scale social contact”, and seems to make it clear that there can be no risk of fans gathering outside stadiums.

That could put more weight behind the Premier League’s plan to use neutral venues.

This has been opposed by a number of clubs and could cause issues for the EFL, who were planning for home stadia to be used.

It presents a significant obstacle for both leagues to overcome over the course of the next week when key meetings are taking place. There is no confirmation that players will be allowed to return to group training which is required before matches can be played.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson also stated on Sunday that those returning to the UK via air travel would be subject to a 14-day quarantine – which will affect a vast number of players who left the country prior to the lockdown.

Plans could change at short notice if the spread of coronavirus hits a second peak.