The Premier League have released a joint statement after holding crucial talks with the government over the return of fans to football stadiums.
Supporters had been hopeful of returning in reduced capacity by October but that was put into doubt after an increase in coronavirus infection rate across the UK.
10 English Football League grounds were selected to host 1,000 supporters into their stadiums for the first time this weekend as part of a pilot event, although three of those clubs have already pulled out due to a lack of preparation time.
With the financial strain of playing behind doors growing greater on those in the lower leagues, there have been more crunch talks with the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to set out a clear plan for the return of supporters.
"We are grateful to Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the United Kingdom, for taking the time to discuss with us the financial impact that COVID-19 is having on the sports sector and issues around the partial return of fans to sports events which is currently under review by the Government," the Premier League said in a joint-statement alongside other key bodies of UK sport.
"It was a constructive and productive meeting. All of our organisations are committed to public safety.
"Today we were able to explain our extensive arrangements for how we can manage a controlled return of fans following all relevant public health guidelines. It is our firm belief that sports fans will be as safe as in other areas of activity currently permitted.
"We also reiterated a commitment to continue to give full assistance to the Government with Test and Trace requirements and public health messaging.
"We conveyed to the Secretary of State the very serious financial situation now facing our sports, clubs and venues and that we believe we can stage events safely.
"It is clear that if fans cannot return soon that there will be very serious economic implications across our sporting sector.
"Our sports have already demonstrated through staging fixtures Behind Closed Doors, in Test events and through the return of recreational sport that we can deliver the very highest standards in safety and best practice.
"We will continue to engage with the Government in the days ahead and provide any further evidence required."
