Premier League football could be back on TV within WEEKS with matches played behind closed doors ‘under plan briefed to Boris Johnson’
- Boris Johnson sees the resumption of live sport as key to boosting moral
- Detailed plans could also be thrashed out to see cricket and tennis return
Boris Johnson has been briefed on plans for Premier League football to return to TV screens ‘within weeks’, according to reports.
The Prime Minister has been informed of the proposals for matches to be played behind closed doors.
And The Sun claim Mr Johnson sees the resumption of live sport as key to boosting the moral of the nation after weeks of lockdown.
The Premier League season could be back on TV screens within weeks according to reports
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been informed of the plans to complete the season
Other football leagues, cricket, tennis and horse racing could also resume under the extensive proposals which are due to be thrashed out between ministers, officials from Public Health England and other sporting bodies.
The report maintains however that the priority remains to restart and complete the Premier League season to allow the transfer window to open and enable money to slowly make its way down the football pyramid.
The report however claims that government insiders believe the EFL will start later because of the added logistical and financial challenges.
Other sports such as cricket could also return under the detailed plans to be thrashed out
But the priority is completing the Premier League season so the transfer window can open
However, the Government would first have to allegedly meet its five restart tests, which include cutting both death and infection rates.
And each sport would also allegedly have to comply with an uncompromising set of criteria, which involve making sure social distancing is maintained and keeping everyone involved safe from possible coronavirus infection.
Participants in the various sports would also reportedly have to undergo regular testing, which will have to be paid for by clubs or the sport’s chiefs in order to prevent essential workers from being blocked.
It is hoped that with transfers occurring money would then start to trickle down the pyramid
The Government’s next review of the lockdown is due on Thursday, May 7.
The news comes amid concerns of people gathering together to watch sport following Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden appeal to the Premier League to consider streaming matches on terrestrial channels.
There are fears that should the games only be available on Sky Sports and BT Sport, people will be tempted to go round a friend’s house to watch the matches.
Extended highlights are therefore being considered, while it is also possible clubs could be given permission to show games on their official websites.
But the Government would first be obliged to meet each of its five restart tests for sport