The resumption of the Premier League season has moved a step closer after clubs voted ‘unanimously’ in favour of returning to close-contact training today.
Premier League shareholders’ today held a meeting to discuss the latest proposals and protocols for a safe return to contact training, with the verdict unanimous between the respective clubs.
English football’s leading clubs returned to training in small groups and for limited periods of time last week, though the latest developments mean sides can now train in larger groups and engage in drills such as tackling while minimising unnecessary contact.
The decision moves the restart of the Premier League campaign closer with hopes still high over a behind-closed-doors return to competitive action next month, with a date of June 19 widely speculated.
In a statement, the Premier League insists the priority of the division remains the health and wellbeing of all participants, and strict medical protocols will be in place at all training grounds, whilst the mass testing of players and staff for Covid-19 will continue twice a week.
Proposals for colour-coded risk assessments for training sessions are also being prepared, with each club set to be provided with a Covid-19 training and coaching co-ordinator, whose responsibility will include scoring each individual training activity and assessing the level of risk.
Read – Premier League to outline plans for next season to start in mid September
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