Premier League return: Government give green light to games coming back in June

Posted Friday, May 15, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Premier League action has been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government have given the green light to Premier League and EFL action returning in June. Games have been suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Premier League have launched 'Project Restart', with clubs being sent protocols to follow to help protect their players from the deadly disease.

Numerous Premier League stars have voiced their concerns about games returning, with many feeling the decision is being rushed.

However, culture secretary Oliver Dowden has seemingly ignored those worries, claiming the Government are behind football returning in June.

Dowden said: "The Government is opening the door for competitive football to return safely in June.

"This should include widening access for fans to view live coverage and ensure finances from the game's resumption supports the wider football family."

Premier League return: Government give green light to games coming back in June
Premier League restart: Games could return in June (Image: GETTY)

Dowden hosted a video call with the Premier League, EFL and the FA on Thursday to discuss games returning.

The culture secretary has now urged the relevant leagues to put their plans in place for a June return.

The Premier League and EFL have also been told to reach an agreement with television companies to ensure there are free-to-air matches.

He added: "It is now up to the football authorities to agree and finalise the detail of their plans.

"There is combined goodwill to achieve this for their fans, the football community and the nation as a whole.

Premier League return: Government give green light to games coming back in June
Premier League return: Clubs have doubts (Image: GETTY)

"The Government and our medical experts will continue to offer guidance and support to the game ahead of any final decision which would put these plans into action.

"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."

One worry with football returning was player contracts that are set to expire in June.

Numerous players, including Chelsea's Willian, Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen and Liverpool's Adam Lallana are all out of contract on June 30.

However, the Premier League has now confirmed clubs have agreed to extend deals past June 30.

Clubs must agree extensions with their players before June 23.

The Premier League's statement read: "At Monday's Shareholders' meeting, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to be allowed to enter into short-term contract extensions with players whose deals are due to expire on 30 June of this year.

"As the UK Government indicated on Monday its willingness for live sport to return behind closed doors from 1 June, the Premier League is exploring paths to resuming the 2019/20 season after this date.

"Clubs were concerned over expiring player contracts and registration issues posed by the potential of the 2019/20 season extending beyond 30 June.

"So, it was agreed by all Shareholders that clubs and players can mutually agree to extend their contracts beyond 30 June until the end of the season.

"Clubs and players will now have until 23 June to agree extensions."