No tackling allowed when Premier League kicks returns

Premier League players will be prohibited from tackling and pitches, corner flags, cones and goalposts would have to be disinfected after each session when clubs return as part of plans to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Players will be tested twice a week for the virus and take a daily temperature check, and will also be forbidden from congregating together or travelling to or from training with teammates.

English football has been on-hold since March along with most leagues across Europe due to the pandemic.

Germany’s Bundesliga is set to become the first of Europe’s top five leagues to start up again when matches resume on Saturday, while the Polish, Austrian and Portuguese leagues have also confirmed start dates.

Clubs in Spain’s top two divisions have returned to individual training and while no date has been set for matches to restart, La Liga president Javier Tebas has said he hopes action will resume from June 12.