Premier League working on 7-week football festival; aims to start on June 12
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Even though the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite resolved in the United Kingdom, the Premier League chiefs are working on a brand new seven-week football festival if the halted season is resumed in coming weeks.
Even though the situation surrounding COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t quite resolved in the United Kingdom, the Premier League chiefs are working on a brand new seven-week football festival if the halted season is resumed in coming weeks.
The seven-week football festival includes completion of the league and the FA Cup while easing concerns regarding piling of matches in a shorter timeframe.
The Premier League is aiming to resume the campaign on June 12, however, the seven-week football festival gives an extra-week to rework things if there are complications or confusions. But, given UEFA’s cut-off date to complete domestic season by August 2, the Premier League must begin by June 19, which is just under seven weeks away.
However, a lot depends on government clearance and its easing of lockdown as they are set to announce fresh advisory on Thursday. Clubs may reluctantly accept they are running out of time if there is no reprieve in lockdown measures.
Friday’s meeting of the 20 shareholder clubs witnessed the debate being on medical conditions which will allow full training and behind-closed-door matches at neutral venues. While there are a few clubs opposing the idea of playing matches in neutral venues, the idea has majority votes from other clubs.
The fresh timetable also suggests that Premier League needs just five weeks to complete the remaining 92 matches in the campaign. The plan suggests matches to be played on weekends and midweek.
However, there are major concerns over the extra risk of injury of players to play so many matches in a short period, especially after a three-month break since the last top-flight match in the Premier League.