Premier League clubs target June return and will delay 2020-21 season if necessary to finish campaign
Premier League clubs are hopeful top flight football will resume in June.
Club bosses are also open to delaying the start of next season if necessary, to ensure the current campaign reaches a conclusion.
The latest video conference between club bosses saw them place an indefinite suspension on the season for the first time since the coronavirus outbreak.
After previously setting ambitious deadlines of April 4 and April 30, on Friday they accepted there was no chance of playing again by the start of May.
Instead it was determined to leave the return date up for constant review until “it is safe and appropriate to do so”.
But even before that meeting there was an overriding desire among the 20 clubs to ensure the season is completed – even if that means a push back to the upcoming campaign, which is due to start in August.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the fate of the season could lead to a legal minefield for clubs and the game’s authorities.
Among the most pressing issues is the status of players who are set to become free agents in the summer, as well as those on loan.
Willian and Pedro at Chelsea are two of the most high profile cases, along with David Silva, who is set to walk away from Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of June.
Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech is also due to head to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
Odion Ighalo is only on loan at Manchester United until May 31, when he is expected to return to his parent club Shanghai Shenhua.
Meanwhile, United goalkeeper Dean Henderson is on loan at top four rivals Sheffield United until the end of June.
Fifa are trying to come up with a solution, with growing calls for global transfer windows to be lifted for one year.
What is clear is that there remains little appetite for the season to be declared void or called to an end with the current standings deemed final.
It will take a 14-club majority for any outcome to be passed – and right now the overwhelming desire is to avoid those measures.
