Coronavirus: Premier League on collision course with players over restart plans - sources

Julien Laurens gives the latest news on the Premier League's response to the coronavirus pandemic.

A growing number of Premier League players do not want to play football during the coronavirus crisis in what is a major blow to the league's hopes of resuming the 2019-20 season, sources have told ESPN.

In a significant setback to the league's "Project Restart" scheme to get elite football underway after play was suspended on March 13, players across numerous Premier League teams have severe reservations about playing during the coronavirus pandemic.

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One source at a Premier League club told ESPN: "A lot of players are very uncomfortable with coming back.

"The only way the league takes this seriously is when someone at a club dies. We will look back on this time with sadness in the future."

Unlike in Italy, Spain or Germany, the Premier League has not announced (or yet made public) any kind of protocol for players to return to training at present.

Top-flight clubs will meet on Friday to discuss options for the restart amid growing opposition to playing, even behind closed doors. The United Kingdom's Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, has said he has been in contact with clubs about restarting the Premier League "as soon as possible," and UEFA has told leagues to outline their plans for resuming by May 25.

But sources have told ESPN there's reticence among players, especially while the social distancing measures remain unchanged, to play again. That's part of the reason why not every player has used the training facilities at clubs who started to resume work.

Arsenal were the first Premier League club to open their doors to resume training, albeit under strict social distancing, and further clubs have followed although many still remain closed while the UK remains in lockdown.

A source at another Premier League club has told ESPN players with young families and pregnant wives are concerned about playing football during the pandemic -- over 20,000 in the UK have died -- and many believe with the best will in the world, you can't play football and social distance. Sources have told ESPN some are wondering how it is possible they're being told to get ready to come back when the situation is like it is.

While talk of players striking if they're asked to return to play is premature, ESPN has approached the Professional Footballers' Association for comment regarding their plans to support those who do not wish to return.

Ligue 1, France's top division, has been cancelled along with the Eredivisie in the Netherlands, with leagues in Belgium and Argentina also cancelled. 

Source: espn.co.uk