Premier League clubs have been informed that the 2020/21 season must be started by the first week of September at the very latest, according to reports.
All professional football across England has been suspended indefinitely because of the severity of the coronavirus pandemic.
But the Premier League once again reaffirmed their position that they are hoping to finish the current season when it is deemed safe to do so.
But any plans to restart the season will depend on the government and their social distancing measures.
The government confirmed on Thursday that all social distancing measures will remain in place for another three weeks as the country continues to battle the Covid-19 outbreak.
But according to a report in The Telegraph on Friday night, the Premier League is now set to come under huge pressure as a result of the latest developments.
Starting the new season in September would mean that the Premier League would need to resume playing the current campaign by no later than July.
Something that they cannot currently do, as it is not yet known how long social distancing measures will remain in place.
The report also claims that clubs are now concerned as to how they can complete the remaining games and allow a sufficient pre-season – and give the players a break – before the 2020/21 campaign starts.
The Telegraph is also reporting that the Premier League are set to keep a close eye on how the Bundesliga is preparing to restart their fixtures.
Players in Germany have returned to training in the hope that games can be played in May without spectators, a move that is likely to be repeated in England.
