SM
Liverpool vs. Villa: 17 hrs 18 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Coronavirus latest: Super League meeting set to determine plan for return

:Headline: Coronavirus latest: Super League meeting set to determine plan for return: ID:401796: from db_amp
There has been no action since March 15 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A Super League return will move a step closer this week with the first meeting of a Restart Group which will look at ways to stage games behind closed doors.

Working groups have also been formed to lay the groundwork for a return of both the Championship and League 1, but the Super League will lead the way as the group – formed of RFL and Super League Europe executives – looks at operational, legal, marketing and media issues relating to a return.

An RFL statement said: "As with the other stages, key factors will be protecting the welfare of everyone involved, and implementing the recommendations of the (Clinical Advisory Group): making sure you have social distancing where you can; and where you can't, you have appropriate risk planning.

"We anticipate that the Restart Group will also consider stages four – cross-border matches – and five, getting crowds back in our stadia. The same applies to the Championship and League 1 Working Groups."

Three models have been presented for a restart, with possible dates for the Grand Final on either November 28, December 12 or in mid-January 2021. The standings would be determined based on 22, 24, or 28 games respectively.

It is understood the most ambitious of the plans, the third option with the January Grand Final date, is no longer under active consideration by the 12 clubs.

Teams are yet to return to training, with the league still considering how to apply the latest government advice relating to professional sport.

The RFL's statement said a position statement on a draft policy had been circulated to clubs last week but it is yet to be finalised.

The Super League is hoping to play in front of fans by October (Richard Sellers/PA)

"Key issues include sanitised environments, cleaning venues, social distancing where it's required, appropriate testing for players and monitoring any symptoms and protocol if we do have any positive results," the statement said.

"It's important we consult with our stakeholders – such as clubs and players – to make sure we have buy-in on how it works.

"Our expectation is we'll circulate final drafts early this week and subject to any feedback, they will go to the RFL Board for approval.

"It will then be up to clubs to decide when they want to return to train and having all the systems in place to make sure they can do so."

The league has also set a target of playing in front of fans again as soon as October.

No games have been played since March 15 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

amp_article__401796 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-06-08 11:14:06:
html db last update - 2020-06-08 11:14:06 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Coronavirus outbreak - Click here for more stories

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool108111961325
2Manchester CityMan City1072121111023
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest10541147719
4Chelsea105322012818
5Arsenal105321711618
6Aston Villa105321715218
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1051422111116
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton104421714316
9Fulham104331413115
10Bournemouth104331312115
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle104331010015
12Brentford104151920-113
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd10334912-312
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham103251319-611
15Leicester CityLeicester102441418-410
16Everton102351017-79
17Crystal Palace10145813-57
18Ipswich TownIpswich100551021-115
19Southampton10118719-124
20Wolverhampton WanderersWolves100371427-133
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .