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Premier League dismiss PFA chief's daft sub-45 minute halves claim

The Premier League won't be considering reducing the length of each half to less than 45 minutes. PF...


Premier League dismiss PFA chi...

Sport

Premier League dismiss PFA chief's daft sub-45 minute halves claim


The Premier League won't be considering reducing the length of each half to less than 45 minutes.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor suggested the idea to limit the fatigue on players as the top flight plays catch up following the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the Premier League won't implement the change for the final 92 games.

Taylor told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We don’t know the future but we do know what propositions have been put, what ideas have been put [forward].

"The possibility of having more substitutes, games possibly not being the full 45 minutes each way with talks of neutral stadiums.

"There’s lots of things being put forward - try and wait and see what the proposals are.

"And then have the courtesy to let he managers and coaches and players assimilate all those and come to a considered view."

When asked about the chances of games being shorter than 90 minutes, Taylor said: "All I’m saying, there’s a lot of possibilities."

Taylor's comments are believed to have surprised Premier League officials, with The Telegraph claiming that no conversations around shortened games have taken place.

Premier League players are due to be presented with special COVID-19 medical protocols next week.

Concerns remain among players about a potential summer return to action, with Great Britain now in possession of Europe's highest coronavirus death toll.

29,427 have lost their lives across the UK to the virus.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was one of those voicing his concerns, telling El Chiringuito, "When we go back to train there is bound to be a certain degree of tension but there is still no certainty as to when we resume competitive games."

The Athletic report that club doctors have written to the Premier League, seeking answers on around 100 different questions relating to player safety.

UK government medical specialists are due to brief players and managers directly via videoconference next Monday.



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Coronavirus Covid-19 Gordon Taylor PFA Premier League

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