Premier League gets the go-ahead

English squads can move forward with plan to play June 17

Manchester, England The English Premier League was given government approval on Saturday to press ahead with its

June 17 restart although players will have to stay apart during goal celebrations and disputes to maintain social distancing.

Further details of the league’s plans for dealing with coronavirus cases have been disclosed with clubs likely to have to play even if they only have 15 fit squad members.

The season was suspended in March but training has resumed in the past two weeks and the government is now willing to allow games without fans if coronavirus prevention protocols are followed by those in stadiums.

“There is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved,” Premier League chief executive Richard

Masters said. “This includes consulting with our clubs, players and managers — along with all our other stakeholders — as the health and welfare of our participants and supporters is our priority.

“If all goes well, we will be thrilled to resume the 2019-20 season in just over two weeks’ time.”

Players and coaches are being tested twice a week for COVID-19.

The government said, where possible, social distancing must be maintained in games including “during any disputes between players and referees, or scoring celebrations.”

The league agreed to a government request for some games to be broadcast for free.

Spain: The Spanish league says full team training sessions will resume Monday, ahead of the first match to be played following the coronavirus stoppage. The league will restart June 11.

Germany: Robert Lewandowski scored twice as Bayern Munich took a confident step closer to an eighth straight German title with a 5-0 demolition of Fortuna Dusseldorf.