Premier League given boost as virus samples all test negative

The Premier League’s plans for Project Restart have been given a significant boost after there were no positive cases in the sixth round of testing for coronavirus.

A total of 1,195 players and club staff were tested in the latest screening session, which took place over Thursday and Friday, and that yielded the second all-clear.

There were fears that a return to full-contact training would lead to a substantial rise in positive tests but that has not been the case.

There were six positive cases from three top-flight clubs in round one, two from two clubs in the second round, four from two clubs in round three, none from round four and one from the fifth round.

The league is due to restart in 10 days’ time with testing continuing on a twice-weekly basis.

The Telegraph, meanwhile, can reveal that top-flight clubs plan to introduce rules to clarify what happens in the event of an incomplete season amid fears that a future campaign could also be ravaged by a pandemic.

Clubs last week headed off a row over what happens if this season is curtailed by agreeing not to debate the issue unless Project Restart stalls. But they want to avoid starting next season without rules for deciding the outcome if there is another suspension.

One club executive said it was crucial to introduce new rules specifying the number of matches played after which it would be impossible to void the season. Just over three-quarters of fixtures were complete when football was suspended in March and most clubs agree it would be wrong to void the campaign.