Premier League Plan World Cup-Style Summer Tournament

Over the past few days, the Premier League’s plans for finishing the 2019-20 season have begun to take shape, and as of today it appears that we have an at least tentative method and timeline to look forward to.

Confirming Friday’s speculation that a summer finish could be in the works, we now have talk of the season being played out over June and July in The Independent, who suggest the league is looking to the World Cup for inspiration.

Inspiration in that there would be a host region, with most of the games being played and teams being based in the Midlands. There is also the possibility that some games could take place on the outskirts of London.

In any case, the goal appears to be keeping the teams—as well as all support staff and broadcast teams—in World Cup-style camps in one region that has multiple suitable stadiums within close proximity.

Games, as previously reported, would be played behind closed doors—and they wouldn’t be restricted to kicking off over the weekend, with daily matches being played in order to fit the remaining games in over six weeks.

Further, the belief is that by the time June arrives the United Kingdom will have passed the peak of coronavirus and that widespread testing will have become possible, with both key to restarting the season.

The plan is also said to have government backing, though it will not be without difficulties as player contracts and television rights tick over July 1st. Still, it appears we now have some idea when and how football will return.