Government ‘opens door’ for the return of professional football in England after a meeting with the FA, Premier League and EFL.
Oliver Dowden said that talks have been “positive” and there has been “progressed plans” for the sport to resume.
(Photo by Nathan Rogers on Unsplash)
He added that plans should “include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game’s resumption supports the wider football family.
“We all agreed that we will only go ahead if it is safe to do so and the health and welfare of players, coaches and staff comes first.
“It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans, and there is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.
“The government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support to the game.”
The Premier League met on Monday to discuss “Project Restart” and hopes for a return to action on the 12th of June, with matches played behind closed doors.
Championship clubs hope to gain government clearance for a 25 May return to regular training, as part of plans to resume the 2019-20 season.
It is understood a target restart of 6 June has been discussed but clubs still anticipate a more likely 13 June date, in line with the Premier League.
All 24 clubs held a conference call on Wednesday, after an EFL board meeting.
League One and Two clubs will speak on Friday, when the prospect of ending the season seems certain to move closer.
Fans reacted after finding out that the Government ‘opens door’ for football return…
To the “null and void” crew. pic.twitter.com/f0tTOW7kS8
— Imran khan (@khanUR199) May 14, 2020
Money talks
— Adam (@Hathers1987) May 14, 2020
— WEST BROM FAN TV (@ALBIONFANTV) May 14, 2020
— Spennie 6 times (@unrealxherdan) May 14, 2020
Government approval for football return. Dub @BorisJohnson pic.twitter.com/CqqUfFVE0g
— Liam (@_CFCLiam) May 14, 2020
Think once Bundesliga fixtures go ahead this weekend the premier league will gain some momentum. Will be interesting to see the viewing figures.
— Dan (@POTUS048) May 14, 2020
That’s a boost for a lot of fans. Me included
— Ian McGhie (@ian7363) May 14, 2020
If it does restart, the authorities will have to be flexible regarding the end of the season. The worst outcome of all, is to start the season, then stop it. If you start it, you have to wait until it finishes even if that eats into next season.
— WJ (@jessop_william) May 14, 2020
— Adam Barlow (@AdamPaulBarlow) May 14, 2020
Life is more important than football. Today’s @premierleague players get over £1m a month, yet they want to play in a global pandemic as if they can’t afford to live!!! Call the league, hand @LFC the title. @ManCity have already conceded by at the start of lockdown
— Merthyr Scottish (@MerthyrScottish) May 14, 2020
— Bielsa’s Cheese Wedge Ultras (@Allcheese1) May 14, 2020
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