Premier League ‘at no risk’ of being paused in event of second national lockdown, says Richard Masters

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

The Premier League will continue even in the event of another national lockdown or circuit-breaker, and there is currently “no talk” or “risk” of a second major pause to top-level football. The competition’s chief executive Richard Masters says that ‘Project Restart’ has displayed they have a “proven model that works”, and none of their recent discussions with government have even raised the prospect of a suspension.

Rising cases across the country have raised the prospect of further restrictions, but football is unlikely to be affected.

“We’re in constant dialogue with government about all aspects of the co-operation we have with them,” Masters said in a press conference after Wednesday’s Premier League meeting. “We don’t feel the closed doors model is at risk at the moment.

“We think we’ve got a proven model that worked in Project Restart, and at the moment we’re happy, and so are government, that we can continue.”

Asked if there were any plans to shut down in the event of a “circuit breaker”, Masters said: “No, as I said, not that we don’t scenario plan and talk about various different outcomes - you have to in the current environment - there’s no talk about the Premier League or sport being suspended at the moment.”

Masters meanwhile refused to be drawn on whether the Premier League or the broadcasters set the controversial price of £14.95 for the new Pay Per View games.

It was put to him that Sky and BT are saying that the competition set the price, but Masters would not confirm this.

“Broadcasters set prices, we are obviously aware of the commercial model that was put in place and we had substantive conversations with BT and Sky about that. We can’t set prices.

“We can’t say why BT and Sky are saying what they’re saying. I think you should just listen to Richard’s answer which is that we can’t set the price.”

Pressed again on who actually made the decision, Masters said: “Broadcasters have to set the retail price of their own products. That’s the law… I’m trying to portray the balance. I don’t want to get into a price-setting conversation.”