Chief executive Martin Semmens thinks games could be shown every day while people are at home
Southampton chief executive Martin Semmen believes that the Premier League could return before coronavirus restrictions are lifted from daily life.
Semmens, speaking to BBC Radio Solent, appears to think that play could be possible sooner than expected – despite the health dangers this could have while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing.
This would likely mean matches being played behind closed doors and broadcast on TV, so that large groups don’t congregate.
He said: “We have to do what is right and safe for the general public.”
“When everybody is safe and we’re not using up NHS and police resources, the government would like us to get back to playing because we are entertainment and a sign that the country is coming back to normal.”
“If people are home for another month and Premier League football is on the TV every day that can only be a good thing. Not because we are more essential than the NHS but because we can give people entertainment and show that we’re fighting back.”
Semmens is also worried by potential legal action should the league take too long to complete. It has been reported that broadcasters could sue the Premier League if it isn’t completed before the end of June.
He added: “We hope to get the league done by the end of June.”
“If we ended up playing until 15 July and you had to extend a player’s contract by two weeks, convincing a player to play two more weeks of football and get paid nicely to do it – I don’t believe that will be a substantial challenge.”
“The challenge is making sure we don’t have a knock-on effect to other seasons and make football compromised for years to come.”