EPL Clubs Determined to Complete 19/20 Season

Premier League clubs have stated that they all want to finish the 2019/2020 EPL season. They made this known at a meeting held on Friday, April 17.

All 20 clubs were represented on the video call in which the primary topic of conversation was a debate over models for completing the season.

Reports confirmed that the controversial proposal of completing the campaign by June 30 was not raised at the meeting. But it was agreed that the season will not resume until the British government gives it the green light.

According to Sky Sports, no representative in attendance at the virtual meeting raised the idea of finishing the season by June 30 and the issues of pay cuts and transfer windows were also not debated.

Citing an unnamed Premier League source, it 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.

“We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the government.

“The health and wellbeing of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the League will only restart when medical guidance allows.

“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019/20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.

“In response to the pandemic, the Premier League, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”

Most dates of sporting activities from the Euro 2020 to the Olympics to the Copa America have all changed due to the pandemic. Recently, UEFA was considering proposals that would see the Champions League final hold on  August 29, three months later than scheduled.

The Champions League final was due to take place at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey on May 30 but, under one of the new proposals, which UEFA will discuss next week, the final would be moved to Saturday, August 29 at the same venue.