Report: EPL clubs discussing plan to end season early

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Ending the season early appears to be a realistic possibility despite the Premier League's intention to complete the 2019-20 campaign when it's “safe and appropriate."

A growing number of Premier League teams are considering the option due to concerns about the various challenges that could emerge after the coronavirus lockdown, according to The Guardian's Paul MacInnes and Paul Doyle.

Clubs have reportedly engaged in informal discussions to highlight a wide variety of concerns, such as the feasibility of resuming the season - which was suspended on March 12 - behind closed doors, and the risk of players contracting COVID-19 during a match.

Last week, all 20 teams reaffirmed their commitment to completing the season, outlining plans to implement strict testing for players, staff, and other individuals attending matches behind closed doors if the resources are available.

Premier League clubs also reportedly discussed a proposal at last week's meeting to return to action on the weekend of June 13-14, responding to UEFA's written appeal that all domestic leagues finish seasons by July 31.

Since then, an unknown club has suggested players might need to be separated from their families for a month or more to ensure the safety of loved ones, according to MacInnes and Doyle.

The Guardian adds there's uncertainty over the amount of testing required per person during each match, and worry about the public's opinion regarding extensive testing at football matches when many healthcare workers have yet to be examined.

Additionally, several issues related to financial risks have also been mentioned among Premier League teams.

For example, player contracts have been discussed, as some teams face the possibility of finishing the season without important players whose contracts are set to expire on June 30.

Restarting on June 13 would give the Premier League almost seven weeks to complete the season before July 31. Given that four teams have 10 matches left to play while the remaining 16 clubs have nine, there should be enough opportunity to complete the campaign in the proposed time frame.

But the possibility of a compacted schedule is leading to questions over the integrity of playing 92 matches during a short period of time, and concerns about the physical toll it will take on players.

Although many of the issues mentioned have yet to be officially discussed, clubs will get an opportunity to air grievances during the next Premier League meeting on May 1.