Premier League clubs are aiming to restart games from June 8. This was one of the highlights of the premiership clubs virtual meeting today.
That date is the best case scenario as clubs were also told they may be able to start training again from May 18.
But it also came amid warnings that the Government have made it clear that football will not be viewed as a special case and widespread testing of players and staff must be introduced before action can return.
It could mean that players have to report up for training under strict quarantine.
Clubs have even discussed them turning up in their cars already changed into their kits to try and limit the chances of infection.
There will be mass testing at training grounds, stadiums for all players, staff and even media as they gear up for a return and would ideally like to squeeze all of the games
However, there is a realisation that if there are further delays the season end could drag on into August as the two hour meeting emphasised that they must not return until it is absolutely safe.
UEFA have now laid down a marker by proposing the Champions League final is played on Saturday, August 29, as they want that to be a cut off point for domestic leagues, including the Premier League.
They are gearing up for a mini pre-season in May, a potential return of games behind closed doors in June and then the fixture list drawn up so they finish by August at the latest.The FA Cup will also kick off again and the rounds will be put back into the fixture list where they were originally due to be played and all Premier League games will remain in the same order as before.
It is understood there was a push at the start of Friday’s Premier League meeting to ensure the season was played out which was in response to some clubs pushing for a June 30 cut off date.
Clubs are concerned that if games go beyond June 30 then it will cause major issues for player contracts and also sponsorship deals.
A statement from the Premier League afterwards declared all dates are ‘tentative
A Premier League spokesperson said: “We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.
“In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios.