ENGLISH Premier League (EPL) clubs agreed Monday on the measures that will allow noncontact practice sessions to resume during the coronavirus pandemic. The protocols for small group training — while maintaining social distancing — beginning yesterday were approved unanimously in a vote by the clubs during a conference call after the government eased lockdown restrictions in England last week. Up to five players will be allowed to work together on a field, according to details released by Newcastle. The northeast club will operate a rotation that will ensure only 10 players maximum are at the training ground at any one time. Contact training and matches are yet to be allowed by the government, which is waiting to see there is no new spike in COVID-19 infections before further relaxing the distancing measures. The Premier League said it is the “first step towards restarting the Premier League, when safe to do so.” The season was suspended in March with Liverpool leading by 25 points with nine games remaining. Coronavirus testing is due to take place twice weekly at clubs of up to 40 players, coaches and support staff. The league will continue to consult with players, coaches and clubs on the protocols that could allow full-contact training.(SD-Agencies) |