JAKARTA - Premier League clubs unanimously chose to return to training in small groups on Tuesday, May 19. This marks a significant step in the quest for a return to the Premier League's top competition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite reports of conflicts of interest among the 20 teams on various aspects of the so-called 'Project Restart', a consensus was reached on Monday.
Players must maintain social distancing during training sessions in small groups, while exercises that involve physical contact are not yet permitted.
"Today's Premier League shareholders voted unanimously to return to small group training from tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon - the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when it is safe to do so," read a statement on the Premier League's official website.
"The first step of the Return to Training Protocol allows groups to train while maintaining social distancing. Contact training is not yet permitted.
"This first phase has been approved in consultation with players, managers, Premier League club doctors, independent experts and governments. Strict medical protocol of the highest standards will ensure everyone returns to training in the safest possible environment.
"The health and well-being of all participants is the priority of the Premier League, and returning the team to a safe training session is a step-by-step process. Full consultations will now continue with players, managers, clubs, PFA (Professional Footballers Association) and LMA (League Managers' Association). ) as a protocol for full contact training was developed. "
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to return to small group training from Tuesday afternoon - the first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so Full statement: https://t.co/8F3qJxZssV pic.twitter.com/nEdWoQ8EGI
- Premier League (premierleague) May 18, 2020
The Premier League statement did not explicitly say that players and staff had tested for COVID-19 as part of medical protocol.
However, at the same time, a press release was also issued by Newcastle United which suggested that a COVID-19 test was part of the proposal.
"Critical players, coaches and support staff have now been tested for COVID-19 at a training ground by global genomics health business Prenetics," it read.
⚽ Newcastle United's players are set to return in small groups to the club's training ground this week as they begin their preparations for the proposed resumption of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
- Newcastle United FC (NUFC) May 18, 2020
No Premier League matches have taken place since Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for the coronavirus in mid-March. Most of Europe's major leagues went into lockdown at the same time.
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