Published 12:20 IST, May 13th 2020
Premier League return engulfed in fresh doubts as London Mayor says "it is too early"
Although a Premier League return may be permitted in June, London may still not host games after the Mayor of London cast fresh doubts over a return.
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Premier League's 'Project Restart' plan to resume football in month of June is seemingly gaining momentum with every passing day. With clubs and league officials on same p about a potential Premier League return, hierarchy could soon formulate a foolproof plan and timeline to present to UK government. While government may approve league's plans to resume season next month, games may t take place in capital. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan stated that it is 'too early' for Premier League matches to be std in capital.
Also Read | Premier League Return: Clubs To Oppose Project Restart’s Neutral Venue Proposal Over Stadium Deals
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Premier League return in doubt? London Mayor says it's 'too early'
A spokesman for Mayor of London recently spoke to Evening Standard claiming Sadiq Khan is "very keen" for a Premier League return along with return of or professional sporting activities in country. However, with London being one of cities majorly hit due to coronavirus in UK, Sadiq Khan and his representative do t think it would be wise to host Premier League games in city. UK has already recorded over 220,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a death toll breaching 32,000 mark. As for London, Greater London area has recorded over 18,000 cases with number rising rapidly. Amid such critical circumstances, London may t be permitted to st Premier League games for foreseeable future.
Also Read | Premier League Return: UK Government Gives Go-ahead, League Likely To Resume From June 1
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As quoted by British publication, spokesman for Mayor of London said, "With country still in grips of this crisis, and hundreds of people dying every day, he believes that it is too early to be discussing resumption of Premier League and top-flight sport in capital. As a Liverpool fan, Sadiq Khan, of course, wants Premier League to return, but it can only happen when it is safe to do so, and it cant place any extra burden on NHS and emergency services."
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Premier League return: Premier League coronavirus testing and plans for a return
UK government recently anunced a roadmap to ease lockdown regulations in UK in bid to slowly get life in county back to rmal. Per UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's blueprint, sports will be permitted to return from June 1 but spectators will t be allowed back into stadiums until a vaccine is found. As for a Premier League return, a date of June 12 is speculated by British media.
Reports also suggest league is planning to complete all 92 remaining fixtures within a span of three weeks in June and July. Earlier reports stated clubs had agreed to play fixtures at neutral venues. However, latest reports state t many clubs are inclined towards playing games at neutral venues. One argument made by clubs is it would be easier to st closed-door matches at ir home grounds. As of w, discussions are ongoing and may lead to a concrete decision in coming weeks.
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12:20 IST, May 13th 2020