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Captains and managers met with the league on Wednesday to discuss the finer details of restarting the season.
Premier League captains and managers are speaking with league representatives and medical professionals about safety concerns regarding the season restarting. But some captains have reportedly expressed serious worries about rushing back into football. A prolonged debate, of course, could delay any eventual kickoff but the players must be heard.
Watford’s Troy Deeney and West Ham’s Mark Noble were reported in The Mirror as having been the most vocal captains demanding clarity on some issues, having been “unimpressed by a lack of information.”
The article mentions a consent form put forth by the Premier League that could be one sticking point. A signature on such a form was said to be viewed as a shifty move by league reps. Players are wary of signing away their right to medical benefits should they or someone in their family contact coronavirus after the restart. The league says that isn’t the case. The PFA is currently working on it.
There’s no word on what Jordan Henderson or Jürgen Klopp might have added to the conversation but it’s clear that the Premier League restarting is still not a sure thing.
Captains will now deliver their new lack of information back to their teammates. With clubs and players scheduled to meet again on Thursday, it is thought there could be strong resistance from some if they believe the Premier League can’t provide specific health and safety assurances.
Then, on Monday, clubs will hold a vote to decide whether or not Project Restart is a go. I remain cautiously pessimistic.
