Project Restart Latest: Free-to-Air Games, Player Concerns, Potential Points Deduction & More

While authorities remain determined to resume the 2019/20 Premier League season, there are still a vast number of dilemmas and barriers that need to be overcome before any football can be played.

The Bundesliga have opted to resume their campaign in mid-May, but in England it is still far from clear when it will be safe to return, along with how and where these games will be played.

Here's the latest updates on 'Project Restart' on Friday.

Premier League Clubs in Talks Over Free-to-Air Games & Kick-Off Times

Premier League clubs are said to have discussed the possibility of changing kick-off times if/when the season is able to resume.

BBC Sport report that this was discussed at the last Premier League shareholders meeting, with the hope of 'increasing the variety' in kick-off times. Furthermore, it is further noted that the Premier League are in communication with broadcasters, the government and clubs regarding the screening of games.

There are 92 matches left of the 2019/20 season, and 47 of these games will be shown on Sky or BT Sport.

However, talks are also being held to see 'what would be reasonable' in making the remaining 45 games free-to-air. This means these matches would be available for free live on either the Premier League's or a broadcaster's YouTube channel.

Clubs Who Don't Support Neutral Venues Proposition Could Be Threatened With Points Deduction

The idea of playing the remainder of the 2019/20 season at neutral venues has proven controversial over fears that smaller clubs' lack of home advantage will have a negative impact on them and their chances of staying in the division.

The Telegraph now report that 'the toxic rift' over neutral venues has deepened, and pressure will be placed on the bottom six clubs to stop opposing the plans on Monday.

And if the league does vote to resume the campaign - 14 votes are required - dissenting clubs could be threatened with a points deduction should they fail to fulfil fixtures.

The report further adds that the outcome of the vote is currently on 'a knife-edge' it is unclear whether the bottom clubs will accept the outcome if the season does resume.

Furthermore,  clubs will be told in the meeting on Monday that failure to complete the 2019/20 campaign would put the next season and beyond 'under threat'. As for the bottom clubs, they will be informed that the consequences of not finishing this season 'will be far worse' than potentially playing Championship football.

Another topic of discussion in Monday's meeting will be players quarantining. The Telegraph state that there could be further resistance to the resumption of the season if players were asked to quarantine together for one week, away from their families.

Authorities Could Face Legal Action if Players Contract Virus

With clubs stepping up their training in Germany as the resumption of the season approaches, a number of players and staff have already tested positive for the coronavirus. Borussia Mönchengladbach recently became the fourth German team to be directly effected by COVID-19 in just a matter of days.

In England, players such as Sergio Aguero and Manuel Lanzini have already voiced their concerns regarding the season resuming. The Daily Star report that should a player contract the virus, the government and the Premier League could face legal action against them.

If a player were to fall ill before, during, or after a game, authorities could be sued for 'tens of millions' of pounds. All clubs in England's top division pay into a Premier League health scheme yearly to insure players against illness, serious injury, or in the worst case, death. Clubs similarly do the same.

But there is 'a growing feeling' among clubs that if players are made to put themselves - or their family - at risk by restarting the season and the worst were to happen, both the government and the Premier League could be sued.

Players Concerned After Being Told to Sign Coronavirus Legal Forms

Continuing along the lines of players' welfare and the legalities of an athlete contracting the virus, the Daily Mail report that Premier League players and staff have been asked to sign coronavirus agreements as part of 'Project Restart'.

However, a number of players have already discussed not signing the agreement as concerns emerge of where they would stand should they contract the virus.

Players and staff have been asked to sign the paper that confirms they acknowledge what is understood of them, but some clubs have already told their players not to sign if they don't feel comfortable. It is said that 'a number of players' are concerned the agreement is not too dissimilar to a legal disclaimer, but members at the Premier League are keen to stress that it isn't an attempt to avoid liability, instead it is just to confirm players agree to each club's protocols.

Players are unsure how this agreement would impact their rights, and the Daily Mail add that this is particularly the case because clubs have found it challenging to insure their athletes for the coronavirus.

Players to Follow Coronavirus Measures Set Out by Clubs

Clubs have been sent the Premier League's hygiene protocols, and they will use this to create their own individual guidelines and rules.

The Daily Mail report that players and staff will be required to adhere to a number of guidelines, which includes transport related measures. For example, players and staff have been told that they must make their way to training individually, rather than travelling together in the same vehicle. Moreover, team vehicles are not allowed, and players and staff are also not allowed to travel on any public transport.

To that end, players will also have to ensure that the interior of their cars are cleaned regularly in order to minimise the risk of catching the virus.