English Premier League Geared To Kickoff Season Mid-June After A 100-day Shutdown
Report By: Nandika Chand | Last Updated May 29, 2020
The English Premier League (EPL) is set to restart on June 17 after a 100-day shutdown owing to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. However, fans will not be able to enjoy live matches. Every game will be shown on TV.
Clubs have agreed to resume the Wednesday night doubleheader with all time favourite Manchester City playing Arsenal and Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United. Officials said they need the nod from the government for a go ahead.
The Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said they are looking forward to resume the season in June. He said the date cannot be confirmed until they have met all the needed safety requirements. “Matches will have to take place without fans in stadiums, so its important to ensure as many people as possible can watch the matches at home,” Masters said. “We will continue to work step-by-step and in consultation with all our stakeholders as we move towards resuming the 2019-20 season.”
The Premier League had to halt the matches in mid-March with other European football leagues such as La Liga and Serie A due to the pandemic. The 2020 Euros have also been postponed to 2021. The UEFA Champions and Europa leagues are also suspended. Germany’s Bundesliga has already resumed with matches played in empty stadiums. The Spanish League is also slated to restart next month.
