Premier League football could be back on TV 'within weeks'
25 April 2020, 16:49
Football could be back on TV within weeks following discussions between the Premier League and UK rights holders, it has been reported.
The Premier League is in discussions about how best to broadcast the season's remaining fixtures.
According to The Sun, Boris Johnson has been briefed on plans for matches to be played behind closed doors and sees live sport as a key to boosting morale after six weeks since the English top-flight was suspended in a bid to curb the coronavirus outbreak.
A return to action in June is being considered and it is understood the Premier League is in discussions over how best to broadcast matches with fans set to be kept out due to social distancing concerns.
A government spokesman said: "Ministers continue to work with sports governing bodies on how live sporting events can resume in the future. This can only happen once we have passed the five tests for easing social distancing measures."
Of the 92 games remaining this season, 47 are already set to be aired between Sky Sports and BT Sport under existing contracts.
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As for the remaining 45 fixtures, the Premier League is in discussions with those broadcasters along with fellow UK package holders BBC and Amazon about a reasonable and proportional position on how those matches might be broadcast.
Any decisions would require consent and support from stakeholders, while it is unclear whether matches would be shown on a free-to-air basis.
During a quarterly fans forum held via conference call on Friday, Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said the club was hopeful of being able to complete the 2019-20 season with or without fans in attendance.
Mr Woodward said: "Like all of you, we are eager to see the team return to the field as soon as we are advised it is safe to do so, hopefully to complete a season which still held so much promise for us in the Premier League, the Europa League and the FA Cup when it was suspended.
"We are in constant dialogue with our governing bodies about when and how that will happen and we will continue to engage with this forum to keep fans consulted.
"And while it may be that games need to be played behind closed doors in the shorter term, we all recognise that football will not be fully back to normal until supporters are once again in attendance."
The English Football League has warned that football cannot resume before adequate testing arrangements are in place - and that cannot come at the expense of front-line workers.
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In a statement, the EFL said: "Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country's front-line workers, the emergency services, league and club staff members."
Other football leagues, as well as other sports, could also resume under detailed proposals being discussed between ministers, Public Health England officials and sporting bodies.
The Premier League is being urged to consider streaming matches on terrestrial channels.
Another option being considered is extended highlights, clubs showing their games on their websites.
Tennis, cricket and snooker could return earlier than football because officials believe social distancing measures could be maintained more easily.
