Gary Neville has accused Premier League bosses and clubs of being terrified to publicly back a return to action.
The former Manchester United defender insists the game's powerbrokers are in hiding over rubberstamping their intent to bring back football behind closed doors.
Neville alluded to the nightmare scenario of a player or staff member falling seriously ill with COVID-19 after play has resumed breeding reluctance among decision makers.
So, far Brighton are the only top-flight club to speak out against "Project Restart", while Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero insists players are "scared" to get back on the pitch.
Clubs met on Friday to discuss the ongoing situation, with June 8 reportedly earmarked as a provisional return date.
And Neville wrote on Twitter: "The PL are having a CV nightmare. They keep spouting Health First but then brief constantly "We have to Re-Start" I'd respect them more if they said "We accept the increase in Health Risk but it's one we are willing to take". They won't as they are frightened to death!"
He continued: "I want football to return. I also understand the complexities.
"However it’s depressing that the PL and clubs seem to be in hiding, scared to death of communicating. No-one wants to be responsible for this one! Just in case the unthinkable happens."
The Sky Sports pundit made an exception for Brighton before adding: "It would be good for them to speak at least once. Any of them! Clubs included. They are bottling this virus on comms. Very Happy to tell us when they are delivering food parcels though."
