Premier League clubs will return to small-group training from Tuesday (May 19) afternoon after discussion with all the shareholders.
The league held a conference call with all 20 clubs on Monday where the collective decision was taken to start the training.
“It is the first step in the League’s ‘Project Restart’ plans to restart play in the league which has not held a game since March 9 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic,” Premier League said in the statement.
“Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small-group training from tomorrow afternoon, the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so,” the statement added.
This is the step one of the ‘Return to Training Protocol’ where players will have to maintain social distancing, contact training is still prohibited.
“Step One of the Return to Training Protocol enables squads to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted,” said in the statement.
All the players, managers, club doctors, experts and the Government have agreed to start the small-group training.
“This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the Government,” the statement read.
A strict medical protocol will be maintained and Premier League also stated that the safety of the players and staffs are their top priority.
“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible. The health and wellbeing of all participants is the Premier League’s priority, and the safe return to training is a step-by-step process,” the statement further read.
There will be adequate discussion and consultation with the players, manager and all other shareholders of the Premier League before full-contact training’s permitted.
“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed,” the statement concluded.
