Premier League talks with the Government over a June return to action are reportedly at an ‘advanced stage’, according to a report.

Arsenal players, led by Arsenal's Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (centre right) walk past West Ham players instead of the usual handshakes before the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 7, 2020.
Arsenal players, led by Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on March 7, 2020. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

The Mirror report that the Premier League are now at an advanced stage in talks with the Government over a June return for football. They have a tentative agreement for matches to restart behind closed doors.

To try and convince as many fans as possible not to try and attend games, talks are also ongoing with TV companies to show more games, including on terrestrial TV.

This all depends on the ongoing situation with coronavirus, though. If things get any worse than they are currently, that will lead to further delays.

In related news, FIFA are planning to confirm an indefinite extension to the current campaign. This would allow individual country’s authorities to determine when the season ends. It would also permit contract extensions for players whose deals run out on June 30th and alter the dates of the summer transfer window.

This doesn’t solve the problems thrown up by the season going beyond June 30th, by any means. Having permission to extend contracts and actually agreeing with players to do so are completely different matters.

All it means is that it’s now possible for the Premier League to try and find a solution.