Much has been said recently about the Premier League restarting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, especially as the German Bundesliga is on the verge of returning this weekend. However, the timescale that the league is running to may mean that time is running out for a return to season 2019/20.
The English Prime minister Boris Johnson has stated that major sport will not be able to return until June 1st. However, some clubs have been returning to different stages of training already.
The Premier League had initially pencilled in a return to action on 12th June. However, the players must be allowed four weeks of training before the action restarts.
A date of 18th May has been mooted as one for the return to training of all teams. With that in mind, June 12th restart would not be possible. The earliest date for a return would be 15th June.
UEFA have put a deadline of 25th May for members of their associations to submit their return proposals. That puts pressure on the Premier League to definitively finalise their plans.
The fact that many clubs decided to veto the idea of playing behind closed doors games at neutral grounds may have complicated issues slightly. Then there is the issue of relegation and whether it should take place considering teams no longer get home advantage, even at their own grounds.
There is so many hurdles for the Premier League to overcome to restart the season. They are encouraged by government support. However, the fear is that the season may be further delayed if more players test positive. Three players from Brighton have recently tested positive for the virus.
If more players test positive at other clubs, then it may mean the season cannot conclude. The clubs only discussed the possibility of curtailment for the first time in Monday’s meeting. If the situation drags on, then maybe the contingency of curtailment may become a reality.