A Premier League meeting is set for Friday, with all 20 clubs due to join via video call.
The expectation is that the return of top-flight English football will be pushed back from 30 April to a later date.
The Independent has been told that figures at some clubs now want more clarity on when they return, both due to financial pressures and so football staff can start physically preparing players. Some will push for harder dates at Friday’s meeting, amid a growing mood of agitation within the game right now. Follow the latest updates below.
A further issue is that recently installed CEO Richard Masters is currently on compassionate leave, meaning “there aren’t as many people to calm everyone down”, a Premier League source told The Independent.
“Some of our lot aren’t the calmest at the best of times,” one high-level Premier League source told The Independent.
Recent video conferences have merely seen the Premier League season postponed twice, until 30 April, in what have effectively been time-buying moves as they seek to figure out how to complete the season.
It is possible that another postponement of fixtures is coming today, with 30 April seeming too soon for the resumption of the English top flight.
However, with clubs seeking more clarity than that, perhaps a stronger move will be made.
Tottenham cut the wages of all 550 non-playing staff at the club this week, placing others on furlough “where appropriate”.
Even former Spurs coach Harry Redknapp came down hard on his old club:
Today’s meeting will also see discussions around the ongoing controversy about player wages in the face of wage cuts for non-football staff at clubs.
Several sources have told The Independent that a PFA statement will be made on the situation by Friday evening.
Right now, Premier League clubs are more intent on finishing the season than voiding it.
On Thursday, Belgium’s top league cancelled the remainder of their season, with Club Brugge awarded the title.
Brugge had a 15-point lead ahead of the season-ending play-offs. Decisions are yet to be made about relegation places and European spots.
Could the Premier League ultimately follow suit?
Welcome to The Independent‘s coverage of Friday’s Premier League meeting between all 20 clubs.
The teams will meet over video call as they seek clarity over when top-flight football in England will return – if it returns at all.
Follow all the latest updates here.
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On Thursday, Belgium’s top league cancelled the remainder of their season, with Club Brugge awarded the title.
Brugge had a 15-point lead ahead of the season-ending play-offs. Decisions are yet to be made about relegation places and European spots.
Now, the Dutch top-flight is also facing pressure from teams, who want the campaign to be scrapped.
