The Premier League are lobbying Government for permission to stage two rounds of matches with a stadium capacity of 25 per cent in May without the need for prior test events. The Government are currently planning to allow fans back in stadiums from May 17 onwardsWhilst talks remain ongoing the Government are understood to be receptive, and will not insist on every club holding a test event before 17 May. Instead an handful of tests at a range of venues will take place across sport, with the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on 25 April initially earmarked for football, although that has yet to be confirmed. Moving the penultimate round of fixtures back would enable every club to have one game with fans in attendance, which is seen as important for preserving the integrity of the Premier League, particularly as crucial issues regarding relegation and European qualification could be determined in those matches. As Sportsmail reported last week round 36 of the Premier League would also have to be put back to the weekend of 15 and 16 May to facilitate the switch, as the broadcasters will not accept a blank weekend.

Source: Daily Mail March 02, 2021 22:31 UTC