UEFA medical chief gives Premier League go ahead to restart season

UEFA medical chief Professor Tim Meyer believes it is “definitely possible” to plan for the suspended 2019/20 season to restart.

Meyer’s views come just a day after his FIFA counterpart warned against resuming the football season before September.

FIFA’s Michel D’Hooghe told Sky Sports on Tuesday that it was not possible to restart before social contact was permitted and that he felt September was a realistic target.

But Meyer, chairman of UEFA’s medical committee as well as the newly-formed UEFA medical sub group examining issues around a return to play, has a different view on the matter.

“In discussing any return to playing competitive, elite level football, the health of the players, all those involved in potential games and the public at large is of paramount importance,” he said in a statement.

“All football organisations which are planning the restart of their competitions will produce comprehensive protocols dictating sanitary and operational conditions ensuring that the health of those involved in the games is protected and the integrity of public policy is preserved.

“Under these conditions and in full respect of local legislation, it is definitely possible to plan the restart of competitions suspended during the 2019-20 season.”

France’s Ligue 1 became the second major European league to be cancelled after the Dutch Eredivisie on Tuesday afternoon.

And although the Premier League has been suspended since March 13, clubs are committed to resuming the season when it is safe to do so. (Agency report)