The Premier League has released a statement following the Government's announcement that the return of competitive sport in England will be permitted under strict conditions from 1 June.

The "Stage Three" guidance, published on Saturday by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), has been developed in close consultation with the deputy chief medical officers of England, Public Health England and medical representatives across Olympic, Paralympic and professional sports governing bodies, including the Premier League.

The guidance outlines the facilities and processes that will need to be in place, including that there will be no spectators at events, which must be played behind closed doors.

The Premier League announced on Thursday a new provisional restart date for the 2019/20 season of Wednesday 17 June, provided that all safety requirements are in place.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “The Premier League welcomes the Government’s announcement today.

"All major sports, including the Premier League, have been working together with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to produce this Stage Three protocol.

"We could not have reached this point without the full support of the Government, especially DCMS, Public Health England and the Chief Medical Officer’s team.

“We have provisionally planned to restart the Premier League on 17 June, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

"This includes consulting with our clubs, players and managers - along with all our other stakeholders - as the health and welfare of our participants and supporters is our priority.

“If all goes well, we will be thrilled to resume the 2019/20 season in just over two weeks’ time.”