Premier League clubs to return to training in 'small group' from today

MANCHESTER: Premier League clubs will return to training on Tuesday after agreeing to allow "small group" sessions to begin, the first step on the road to a return to competitive action. The league held a conference call for all 20 clubs on Monday where the move was given unanimous backing.

It is the first move in the league's 'Project Restart' plans to restart play in the league, which has not held a game since March 9 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Failure to resume the season could cost the league around 750 million pounds ($913.80 million) in lost revenue from broadcasters according to British media estimates.

Some reports said clubs could lose out even if the league restarts should broadcasters demand a 330 million pounds rebate.

Clubs will have been encouraged, however, by the return of the Bundesliga at the weekend -- the first major soccer league in the world to resume after the lockdown.

Project Restart was originally looking at a June 12 resumption date but should the clubs agree and, if there is no rise in infections in the country, a return date of June 19 or June 26 appears the most likely.

However, the prospect of clubs playing their remaining matches at neutral venues has receded with more than half speaking out against such a proposal. Agencies