According to the Daily Mail, the top six clubs have warned the rest of the Premier League that should this season be cut short, next season could be scrapped as they report a ‘major split’ appearing in the top division of English football.

A four-hour phonecall involving all 20 clubs reportedly resulted in the disagreement “between the richest sides and the rest, many of whom voiced grave reservations about Project Restart.”

The Mail claim that up to 10 clubs are threatening to vote against football starting again when a ballot is held, something that could take place on Friday, 8 May.

14 votes are needed to carry the vote.

With leagues in Belgium, the Netherlands and France already scrapped, it’s not clear how clubs in the Premier League will be able to convince players to return to playing.

In light of the suggestion that games could take place at neutral venues, the Premier League have commissioned a study to find the most ‘bio-secure’ grounds, preferably outside heavily populated areas which rules out every ground in London (apart from the London Stadium) Old Trafford, Liverpool (including Everton) and Birmingham. The Etihad is seen as a viable option due to its location on the outskirts of Manchester.

The top six clubs also warned that if football was delayed until a vaccine was developed, that would lead to next season being scrapped as well, a move that some are claiming could bankrupt the game.