Premier League may delay decision over opening until Friday

The Premier League could delay until Friday its decision on whether the new season can start as scheduled this weekend.

The Premier League, Football League and the police have stated that they will offer a public assessment on Thursday as to whether matches will be played as planned following the riots that have taken place throughout England. However they are now prepared to take more time over that decision, with the situation changing daily.

If more time is required a decision would have to be taken no later than Friday due to the logistics involved.

Wednesday's Bristol Rovers versus Watford Carling Cup match has been postponed, as has England's friendly against Holland at Wembley.

Every match requires a safety certificate which has to be agreed by the local Safety Advisory Group and then signed off by its chairman. But once issued this can be subsequently withdrawn at the eleventh hour if the situation regarding a particular match changes dramatically. This allows clubs and the police flexibility should serious disorder flare up again.

The SAG is made up of members from the respective football club, the local police, fire brigade, ambulance service and the local council.

A police source who has worked in match-day intelligence for one of London's major clubs said: "If any party can't provide a service that would ensure the safety and security of the event then it would be up to the Safety Advisory Group chairperson to decide whether that event could go ahead."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/10/premier-league-delay-decision-friday