English Premier Soccer League clubs have unanimously agreed to resume contact training, a significant milestone towards the restarting of the 2019/2020 season.
In a statement, the Premier League said squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling. The statement reads:
Premier League Shareholders today voted unanimously to resume contact training, marking another step towards restarting the Premier League season when safe to do so.
Squads are now able to train as a group and engage in tackling while minimising any unnecessary close contact.
The Premier League’s priority is the health and wellbeing of all participants.
Strict medical protocols are in place to ensure the training ground is the safest environment possible and players and staff will continue to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week.
Stage Two of the Return to Training protocol has been agreed following consultation with clubs, players, managers, the PFA, LMA and the Government.
Discussions are ongoing as work continues towards resuming the season when conditions allow.
The 2019/20 season was suspended in March after the British government adopted lockdown measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.