The UK government are in preliminary discussions about when supporters will be able to return to football matches.
The Premier League and Championship both got back underway in the last week behind closed doors, following three months of postponements due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
However, Boris Johnson is expected to announce on Tuesday the further lifting of restrictions on public gatherings from July 4, which are expected to give the green light to the return of organised sports and other creative performances - with firm caveats.
Governing bodies will need to work alongside public health authorities to agree the safety of participants can be assured, and put in place and guidance needed to return to action - with social distancing while training where possible, and the sanitation of any equipment.
The return of amateur football could be delayed slightly due to logistical challenges, while indoor sports where contact is inevitable will face more difficult challenges.
The restrictions on mass gatherings are also expected to be eased, though there are exceptions. Football grounds are not expected to return to full capacity for some time and will not be open to any members of the public on the July 4 restriction easing.
However, football.london understand there is a possibility of pilot events taking place in July to test how a gradual resumption of events would take place in a safe manner.
In France, stadiums will re-open from 11 July with up to 5,000 fans allowed into the premises where capacity allows, and similar proposals are being considered for the UK.
Government officials have been considering the details for some time in discussion with key stakeholders, which would include a low number of supporters in large grounds adhering to social distancing measures.
There is not yet a clear timeline on when these tests will take place, with further talks set to take place over the coming weeks and months.
It is likely there would be specifically scheduled tests, potentially at both Premier League and Championship grounds to begin with, rather than during competitive matches.
Tests would likely start at grounds with larger capacity, with a view to gaining an understanding of different scenarios based on the maximum occupancy of grounds and facilities within the stadium.
The period between October and December is being eyed as a potential date range in which supporters will be allowed back into stadiums in a more meaningful manner.
