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Premier League matches and all football games in England are soon set to be played behind closed doors, according to a Times report.

The number of coronavirus cases in the UK rose to 460 on Wednesday, representing the biggest single-day increase on these shores so far.

Across Europe, action has already been taken that sees football matches being played behind closed doors and the Times reports that similar moves in the Premier League and EFL could now follow.

On Friday, a meeting of the Government’s Cobra committee is expected to officially announce that the UK will progress from the ‘contain’ phase of the coronavirus action plan to the ‘delay’ phase, which could include social distancing measures.

The Times report suggests the football season will not be postponed, but instead matches will be played behind closed doors.

It also indicates that games will not be shown in pubs to avoid a congregation of people.

Season-ticket holders and other ticket holders may be able to follow the matches via live streams in their homes.

But the 3pm broadcasting blackout is seemingly not set to be lifted, although further coverage during the standard slots will be permitted.

The plan will reportedly be implemented once the amount of confirmed cases in the UK rises above 500 which, following the rise in cases over the past week, is likely to be surpassed on Thursday.

Everton vs Liverpool is scheduled for next Monday night at Goodison Park - and stands to be impacted if the plan outlined by the Times comes to pass.

The ECHO contacted the Premier League about the reports.

While the sporting authority indicated they were not currently aware of the alleged plans, the body has previously indicated that it is following Government advice on matters relating to the spread of coronavirus and measures necessary to combat it.