THE Premier League will hold the most-important talks in its history TODAY.
Players are back in training – with clubs even voting unanimously to bring back contact, including tackles.
But, now well into May, the Premier League is set for a return in less than a month.
And there are at least EIGHT talking points on today’s agenda… but what is set to be decided?
We take a look…
RESTART DATE
THE initial proposed date for Premier League action to return was Friday June 12.
But with that date rapidly appearing on the horizon, talks are set to be held about whether to push that back.
Players will need more time to get up to match fitness to avoid injuries and all club members will need to continue to be tested for coronavirus.
Today’s talks are set to see June 19 and June 26 pitches as alternative restart dates.
But no decision will be made at this meeting, with a concrete date set to be revealed next week.
TV MONEY
WITH so much time lost, clubs face handing back £340million in TV revenue even if the season is completed.
Broadcasters are itching to be compensated for their lack of live action to show – and the effect that’s had on their subscribers.
A doomsday scenario of not finishing the campaign will mean handing back a whopping £762m.
SCHEDULING
HAVING been on lockdown for well over two months, clubs face the prospect of a congested fixture list.
Not only will dates of games be discussed, but also times of the matches.
They’re expected to be heavily staggered so fans are able to watch EVERY match live – either on Sky Sports, BT Sport or for free via some other medium, such as YouTube.
EXTRA INTERVIEWS + MORE TV ANGLES
IN a bid to keep fans entertained despite the lack of crowd – and therefore atmosphere – broadcasters are considering some brand new features.
As well as holding more interviews with players and managers – even at half-time – they’re deliberating over whether to add new camera angles for fans to enjoy.
The concept of cameras live-streaming players in the changing rooms and tunnel are also set to be discussed.
WATER BREAKS
BY now, the season is normally over – with stars now forced to into the hotter summer months.
With that in mind, bosses will consider allowing players to take regular water breaks to stay hydrated in the heat.
WHERE TO PLAY
THERE has been plenty of discussion on the point already: will teams play at home and away or at neutral stadiums.
Police have been brought in to help teams decide what is best to do, moving forward.
TRANSPORT
IN Germany, with the Bundesliga back underway, only ten players and members of staff are allowed per bus.
Premier League bosses will therefore discuss how they will get stars to and from games.
CANCELLATION
THE worst-case scenario… Premier League bosses WILL discuss whether or not to simply cancel the season.
So serious are chiefs, they’re dedicating the entire second-half of the meeting to it.
The comeback isn’t officially on yet…
