It seems that around the world, life is slowly returning to normal after the last two or so months of quarantine due to COVID-19. In the United States, the four major sports have been in talks as to how they can resume their seasons, while the Primer Lacrosse League has announced its plan for their season this summer. We have also seen action in the WWE, UFC and golf in recent weeks. Outside the U.S. we have seen the return of the German Bundesliga, South Korean K-League, and Spanish La Liga. Starting June 17, it looks like England will be getting in on the returning sports action.
During a shareholders meeting on Thursday, the English Premier League officially announced that June 17 will see the return of the soccer league. On that day, fans can see Manchester City take on Arsenal as well as Aston Villa take on Sheffield United. The reason for these two games being first on the schedule is because after the completion of those matches, all 20 of the EPL’s teams will have played 29 games. Starting on June 19, play will resume as normal, with teams starting to play the remainder of its schedule for the 2020 season.
The EPL was given the green-light by the British government to resume its season as soon as June 1, with no fans permitted. There will still not be fans present at games, but the extra 16 days will provide players to return to the respective clubs facilities and get some practice in following this hiatus.
Although the June 17 date seems to be solid, it is not necessarily set in stone, as to chief executive of the EPL Richard Masters, that date is subject to change if the proper safety measures are not met. “Today we have provisionally agreed to resume the Premier League on Wednesday 17 June,” he said. “But this date cannot be confirmed until we have met all the safety requirements needed, as the health and welfare of all participants and supporters is our priority.”
The league hopes to conclude its season by August 1 with the FA Cup wrapping up on August 8 with a champion crowned.
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