Despite mounting tension and division over the use of neutral stadiums, Masters said Monday’s five-hour meeting showed a “strong desire to discuss everything in the round, and to agree a collective way forward”.
EPL logo. photo credit: Goal.com
He insisted a “really strong collective will to complete the season remains”. But he also admitted a cancellation of the season was discussed for the first time.
“It’s the first time we’ve discussed curtailment,” he said. “It’s still our aim to finish the season obviously, but it’s important to discuss all of the options with our clubs.
“Obviously we won’t be playing until the middle of June. It doesn’t seem quite right to be talking about playing before we’ve taken a decision to return to the first stage of training.
“But in terms of how those matches will take place there’s a lot of water to pass under the bridge, and we’ll continue to assess the circumstances then.”
Masters said the issue of scrapping relegation had not been raised at any Premier League meetings.
“Not in our meetings, last week or today,” he said. “All I can go on is what we’re discussing in our meetings. And you specifically asked about scrapping relegation while playing out the season, and that has never been raised in our formal meetings at all.”
The issue of contracts was discussed, with some players due to be out of contract at the end of June.
“What was agreed was that players can extend their contracts until the end of the season,” said Masters.
“It must be agreed by both parties.”
Asked whether the Premier League returning on 12 June was the aim, he added: “I think it’s too early for us to talk about it. We want to remain in step with government and the authorities. And we want to remain in step with the mood of football supporters.
“I think really the talk at the moment should be about the tentative steps we are taking now that the announcements have been made about getting back to training, and only once players have been consulted.”
Players and managers will be consulted on proposed medical protocols for a return to training by the PFA and LMA over the next two days, before meetings with the Premier League on Thursday. If the measures are accepted, an initial phase of group training could begin next week.
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