EPL clubs still want to resume season; crucial vote reportedly set for May 8
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The fate of the Premier League season could come down to a vote.
Premier League clubs reiterated their desire to resume the season "when it is safe and appropriate to do so" and discussed tentative moves forward during a lengthy video conference call Friday.
Although representatives from all 20 clubs talked about a plan labeled "Project Restart," they didn't make any firm decisions about how to resume the season, which has been suspended since March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The next step will reportedly involve Premier League teams voting May 8 on if and how the season should be completed, according to ESPN FC's James Olley.
A meeting a day prior could have a significant impact on the vote, as the British government is expected to review COVID-19 lockdown restrictions May 7.
Clubs were also told Friday that staging matches at neutral venues will be necessary in order to complete the season, according to BBC Sport's Laura Scott.
With matches almost certainly set to be played behind closed doors, one of the primary objectives of playing at neutral venues is to limit the chances of supporters congregating outside stadiums during games.
Up to 10 stadiums could reportedly be used to stage games, and the Premier League would need to ensure the availability of up to 40,000 COVID-19 tests for players and staff, Scott added.
Previous reports suggested players could possibly return to training May 18 before the season restarts in June. Players returning to training will be tested for the coronavirus twice a week and will be examined on a daily basis, Scott reports.
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