Premier League return edges nearer as clubs vote to start contact training

The 20 Premier League clubs voted unanimously to return to contact training

Premier League ​clubs have voted unanimously to resume contact training, paving the way for the resumption of the 2019/20 season.

Clubs had already returned to small, socially-distanced training sessions. Players and managers were then briefed on proposals for the reintroduction of contact training on Tuesday.

The issue was voted on by Premier League shareholders at a meeting today, with all 20 clubs in agreement over the return of contract training.

The vote means the Premier League 2019/20 season is on course to resume in mid-June.

A Premier League statement said: “Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season, when safe to do so.

Clubs have voted to resume contact training (Getty)

“Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.

“The Premier League’s priority is the health and wellbeing of all participants.

“Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.

“Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government.

“Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season, when conditions allow.”

DCMS guidance has recommended that initial contact work is done in clusters of two to three people, extended to groups of between four and 12, before ultimately returning to full team training.

The Premier League has been working on a four-week training plan before matches could start, including the period where only small group training was allowed.

Based on this, matches could resume in the week beginning June 8 but concerns from players and managers over adequate preparation may push that back by a week or two.