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Premier League clubs meeting ends without decision on restart


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A meeting involving all twenty Premier League clubs has ended without any decisions being made regarding a potential resumption of the league.

Clubs remain committed to finishing the 2019-20 season, even if today's four-hour meeting failed to ascertain when that might be.

Among the proposals being discussed today was playing some of the remaining 92 games of the season at neutral venues.

The Independent report that the subject was among the more keenly debated at the meeting, with some clubs believed to be opposed to the notion.

Brighton are believed to be one of those clubs against playing at neutral venues.

The Seagulls' chief executive Paul Barber said this week, "We would expect to play our remaining five home games at the Amex.

"That’s an absolute priority for us. There are games where, if it’s in a neutral stadium and it’s an away game, that perceived disadvantage then gets neutralised.

"But we want to be playing on our pitch, we’re familiar with it, we want to be in our stadium even if there aren’t fans there. For us that’s an important priority."

The decision of French League officials to end the Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 seasons was also discussed, with French President Emmanuel Macron encouraging other major leagues to follow suit.

But The Mirror claim that a June 8 restart date was put to the clubs at today's meeting, with players expected to be able to train from May 18.

Things will reach a critical point next Friday (May 8), when clubs are expected to formally vote on the proposals contained within 'Project Restart'.

A Premier League statement reads:

At a meeting of Premier League Shareholders today, clubs discussed possible steps towards planning to resume the 2019/20 season, when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

It was reiterated that the thoughts of all are with those directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the Premier League’s priority is the health and safety of players, coaches, managers, club staff, supporters and the wider community.

The League and clubs are considering the first tentative moves forward and will only return to training and playing with Government guidance, under expert medical advice and after consultation with players and managers.

The League welcomed the creation of the Government medical working group for a return of elite sport, which met for the first time this morning.

No decisions were taken at today’s Shareholders’ meeting and clubs exchanged views on the information provided regarding "Project Restart".

It was agreed that the PFA, LMA, players and managers are key to this process and will be further consulted.

The clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019/20 season, maintaining integrity of the competition and welcomed the Government’s support.


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