Sheffield United: Was rumoured June 30 'end date' for Premier League season discussed in latest talks?
The prospect of completing the Premier League season by the end of June, to avoid disputes over player contracts, was not raised when top-flight clubs met by conference call earlier today.
PA Media reports that the 20 Premier League clubs, including Sheffield United, remain committed to finishing the 2019-20 season to avoid a financial loss estimated by the league's chief executive Richard Masters at more than £1billion.
The league is currently on indefinite hold due to the coronavirus pandemic and clubs looked at various scheduling models for how they could end the campaign at Friday's meeting. But it is understood that the issue of completing by June 30 was not raised by anyone present.
It had been reported that as many as nine clubs were keen to complete the campaign by then. They were said to be concerned by the legal implications of the campaign running past that date, which is when standard player contracts expire.
World governing body FIFA has proposed that contracts be extended by mutual agreement until a club's season actually ends.
A Premier League spokesperson said following the meeting: "We are acutely aware of the distress COVID-19 is causing and our thoughts are with all those directly affected by the pandemic.
"In common with other businesses and industries, the Premier League and our clubs are working through complex planning scenarios.
"We are actively engaging with stakeholders, including broadcast partners, and our aim is to ensure we are in a position to resume playing when it is safe to do so and with the full support of the Government.
"The health and well-being of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters are our priority and the league will only restart when medical guidance allows.
"Today's shareholders' meeting provided an opportunity to discuss possible scheduling models. It remains our objective to complete the 2019-20 season but at this stage all dates are tentative while the impact of COVID-19 develops.
"In response to the pandemic, the Premier League, our clubs and players have provided vital support for communities and the NHS and will continue to do so after matches recommence."
Premier League clubs continue to hold discussions with players over conditional wage deferrals and cuts, after Southampton became the first club to strike a deferral agreement with their players last week.