When will premier league football return how coronavirus suspension will change the season
The Premier League, like many other sports leagues around the world, was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension was initially intended to last for three weeks, but it was later extended until April 30, and then again until May 25.
On May 28, the Premier League announced that the season would be completed behind closed doors, with a revised schedule to be confirmed. The season was eventually completed on July 26, with Liverpool being crowned champions.
Here's a summary of the key dates and changes to the season:
- March 13, 2020: The Premier League is suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- April 3, 2020: The Premier League announces that the suspension will be extended until April 30.
- April 28, 2020: The Premier League announces that the suspension will be extended until May 25.
- May 28, 2020: The Premier League announces that the season will be completed behind closed doors, with a revised schedule to be confirmed.
- June 17, 2020: The Premier League announces a revised schedule for the remaining matches, with the season to be completed by July 26.
- July 26, 2020: The Premier League season is completed, with Liverpool being crowned champions.
The suspension and subsequent completion of the season had a significant impact on the Premier League, including:
- Changes to the schedule: The revised schedule saw matches played behind closed doors, with kick-off times adjusted to accommodate the reduced number of matches.
- Changes to the format: The Premier League introduced a "Project Restart" plan, which included measures such as increased testing, social distancing, and reduced team sizes.
- Financial implications: The suspension and completion of the season had significant financial implications for clubs, including lost revenue from ticket sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights.
- Player welfare: The suspension and completion of the season also had implications for player welfare, with concerns raised about the impact of the prolonged season on player fatigue and injury.
Overall, the suspension and completion of the Premier League season were unprecedented and had significant consequences for the league, its clubs, and its players.