The Premier League has today voted unanimously to return to their first phase of training in small groups tomorrow, but as expected there will be no contact permitted. At least 14 clubs needed to approve the new measures to pass a league shareholders meeting, the voting has been in the works for the past few weeks involving club discussions with club captains, managers, the PFA and LMA, club doctors and the government via a video conference call.
Over the weekend and today all 20 clubs have been carrying out Coronavirus testing to ensure players are safe to return, the players have also been asked to sign consent forms to confirm that they agree to follow the new guidelines that will be in place.
Phase One Guidelines:
- No tackling or spitting and social distancing must be maintained.
- Players to training groups of no-more than 5 people.
- Sessions must be 75 mins or less.
- All equipment must be disinfected.
- Players must arrive in their own training kit and they will have their temperature checked.
- Must park in designated spaces, keeping three spaces away from the next car.
In a statement, the Premier League said: “This first stage has been agreed in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and the government.
“Strict medical protocols of the highest standard will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest environment possible.
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from Tuesday afternoon – the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so
Full statement: https://t.co/8F3qJxZssV pic.twitter.com/nEdWoQ8EGI
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 18, 2020
“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.
“Full consultation will now continue with players, managers, clubs, the PFA and LMA as protocols for full-contact training are developed.”