EPL sets deadline for clubs to re-sign players with expiring deals

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Premier League clubs have until June 23 to extend contracts for players whose deals are set to end this summer, the league announced Thursday.

All 20 clubs at Monday's shareholders' meeting unanimously agreed to the proposal to allow teams to enter into short-term contract extensions with players whose deals are due to expire on June 30.

Teams will now have an opportunity to sign players out of contract until the end of the campaign rather than risk losing them if the season resumes after the June 30 deadline.

"What we decided today is to ensure as far as possible that clubs complete the season with the same squad they had available prior to the suspension of the campaign," Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said. "Players can extend their contracts beyond 30 June until the end of the season, but it must be agreed by both parties."

It has yet to be determined when the Premier League season - which was suspended March 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic - will resume.

The British government announced Monday that sporting events in the United Kingdom can resume behind closed doors starting June 1.

Premier League managers are reportedly hopeful that training sessions, which will include strict safety protocols and be limited to 75 minutes, will begin May 18.