Premier League seeks six week window to finish season

UK media has this weekend reported that the Premier League is reviewing plans to resume its current football season on 1 June, seeking a six-week period in which to complete proceedings.

1 June has been detailed as the Premier League’s ‘target date’, however, plans remain tentative as further COVID-19 developments unfold disrupting UK sports scheduling.

The Premier League is seeking a six-week period in which to play its remaining nine matchdays and conclude the FA Cup, which is currently in its quarter-final phase.

In order to fulfil its tight timetable, the Premier League will play all matches behind closed doors and will require Public Health UK to sign-off on its schedule, allowing for emergency services to attend matches.

Last week, a joint statement issued by The FA and English football leagues confirmed the postponement of all-levels of the professional play until Thursday 30 April.

UK media further reports that the Premier League may breach its £3 billion broadcasting contract with Sky Sports and BT Sport should it fail to conclude season 2019/2020 proceedings.

The Sun Sports and Daily Mail reported that the Premier League could face a £750 million legal battle attached to broadcaster fees and loss of earnings should the league fail to be concluded by 1 August, the official start date for a new TV contract.

English football stakeholders will hold critical meetings this week to discuss further scheduling contingencies and COVID-19 developments.