Premier League clubs set to discuss best way of ending the season

Premier League clubs are set to discuss how best to complete the season at a meeting today, when a proposal to finish the campaign by June 30 is expected to be put forward.

All top-flight clubs will meet the sport continues to grapple with the unprecedented coronavirus crisis gripping the world.

Having previously looked at the matter of finances and player remuneration, the focus of this online meeting is understood to be on how best to complete the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

Reports have suggested that nine clubs are in favour of ending the campaign by June 30, with the complications of contract expiration dates among the key issues.

But one senior figure at a Premier League club is understood to have expressed surprise that this issue is being considered as a serious factor, given the number of players that would impact and how FIFA are looking at a workaround for such individuals.

It is understood that the proposal to have the season wrapped up by the end of June is not down as an agenda point, but the matter will surely be raised given the apparent number of supporters behind it.

Planning for the conclusion of the campaign looks tough for top-flight stakeholders given the uncertain backdrop, with the Premier League already having stated that play will not resume until "it is safe and appropriate to do so".

The Government has yet to clarify the situation regarding the lockdown period, or exit plans, and Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder does not expect a deadline to be set for the season's conclusion.

"I'm sure that we will adjust accordingly," the Blades boss said.

"I think for the integrity of the competition and competitions, especially the top end of English football and European football, they'll want to finish the season.

"I believe that there will be an ability next year to adjust, with international breaks, with moving a few games into midweek.

“We have that ability through organisation and planning to finish this season off.

"But only as everybody said, and I'll reiterate that, when it's safe to do so for everybody.

“And that obviously we have to take our lead off the Government and what they suggest and want us to do."