Premier League to restart June 17
- by Grant Boone
- in Sports
- — May 30, 2020
It has been reported the Premier League hopes to complete the campaign by or on August 2, with the FA Cup final potentially taking place the weekend after.
"This date can not be confirmed until we have met all the safety requirements needed, as the health and welfare of all participants and supporters is our priority", Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said.
Those two matches are set to be played first as they are the two remaining games in hand to be played in the league.
All 92 remaining games are to be staged behind closed doors.
Premier League shareholders on Thursday also approved a proposal that would see all 92 remaining matches broadcast live in Britain, including some games on the BBC.
Premier League clubs had returned to training in small groups earlier this week with contact training set to be phased in at respective clubs.
Villa's home fixture with the Blades and Arsenal's trip to Manchester City will be the first matches played. "We can't wait to bring football back for the nation".
The planned kick-off times in the United Kingdom for live matches will also differ from the traditional times.
Should City lose to Arsenal, and whoever their game would be at the weekend, then Liverpool could be champions without playing another game, as was the situation before the pause in the league.
"The Premier League and our clubs are proud to have incredibly passionate and loyal supporters".
This week, in the latest round of testing, only four out of 1008 Covid-19 tests were positive and players and stafff will continue to be tested twice a week.
"Today we have provisionally agreed to resume the Premier League on Wednesday, June 17", said Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
City's last game before football stopped was their loss to local rivals Manchester United.
Dean Smith's men will host Sheffield United when the top flight restarts on June 17, after a break of more than three months during the coronavirus pandemic.
It's not yet clear whether next season will have to be played without spectators as well.
Rob Webster, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "Sky Sports strives to be sport's best partner, and our desire to connect football fans to more of what they love has never been stronger".
