Premier League did not discuss June deadline for 2019/20 season despite fears over player contracts

All 20 Premier League clubs met via videoconference but a proposal over ending the season on 30 June to avoid potential contract and sponsorship disputes that has gained support from clubs was not raised

A 30 June deadline in the Premier League season was not discussed at a meeting on Friday, despite pressure on clubs to get behind the proposal in order to avoid a crisis over player contracts and sponsorship deals.

The 20 Premier League clubs took part in a videoconference on Friday morning that lasted around two hours, with a number of different scheduling scenarios discussed in regards to when football is given the green light to resume in England.

It emerged overnight that at least nine clubs had proposed installing a deadline of 30 June to decide whether the season resumes or not, given that contracts that are due to expire this summer will become null and void at the start of July.

However, the issue – which was not on the agenda proposed by the Premier League – was not raised at Friday’s meeting, with the intention still being to complete the 2019/20 season as long as it is safe to do so.

There was also a general acceptance that when football is able to resume it will do so behind closed doors, meaning fans will not be able to attend a large portion of what remains of the Premier League season, if at all, in order to get the campaign completed.

The discussion followed a similar announcement from the English Football League (EFL) in which chairman Rick Parry wrote an open letter to fans to confirm stadia will almost certainly be closed to supporters when the Championship, League One and League Two resume.

There are no fixed dates for the resumption of the Premier League, though clubs are privately discussing a return to training in mid-May with a view to a June start, which mirrors the EFL’s approach that The Independent revealed on Friday.

The next Premier League meeting will not take place until after Uefa’s Executive Committee meet alongside members from all 55 associations on a conference call next Thursday, with the governing body making clear their intention to see domestic leagues completed along with the European season before the 2020/21 campaign gets underway.

Yet the uncertainty surrounding those player contracts that are due to expire this summer – and sponsorship and broadcast deals that will also come under scrutiny over renewal or extensions – remains an important concern for clubs in the top flight, even though Fifa has signalled a proposal to extend contacts in each country where seasons are completed later in the year.

A Premier League spokesperson said: “We are acutely aware of the distress Covid-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.

“In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios. We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.

“The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.

“Today’s shareholders’ meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of Covid-19 develops.

“In response to the pandemic, the Premier League, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence.”