The Premier League still faces a fight to convince Government officials it is in a position to be able to complete the current season behind closed doors.
Despite extensive contingency planning, including for the potential of playing the remaining matches at neutral venues, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden warned the game is yet to get the “green light”.
Neutral venues are expected to be discussed in a meeting of Premier League clubs on Monday, while other mooted options for restarting the season have even involved the possibility of playing games abroad.
But Dowden told BBC Radio 4: “They’ve not been given the green light.
“If we can get a plan that works then I’d like us to be able to go ahead with it because I think it would be good for the nation, it would be good for football as a whole.
“I’m really hopeful we can get this up and running but public safety must come first so it’s only if we’re confident of that that we’ll be able to proceed.”
Expectations of a minor easing of Government lockdown restrictions from Monday have fuelled hopes that football and other sports may receive a clearer sign of when they can resume.
Meanwhile in Germany the Bundesliga announced this week that it will resume matches on May 16, behind closed doors and subject to players being tested for coronavirus.
In readiness for a change in circumstances the Premier League has been in talks with the Government and broadcasters about showing some games free-to-air.
Dowden, who indicated he will meet with FA, Premier League and English Football League officials again on Thursday, added: “It’s not just the Premier League, it’s the rest of football and indeed other sports that could potentially take place behind closed doors.”
Rugby union, cricket and boxing are among the other sports making plans to return behind closed doors, although promoter Eddie Hearn has ruled out staging Anthony Joshua’s next world heavyweight title defence without fans.
Meanwhile, the PA news agency understands it is too early to suggest the League One and League Two seasons will be cancelled, despite reports to the contrary.
It is understood that guidance issued by Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday will help shape the plans, and clubs will be meeting to discuss the issue early next week.
On Thursday, Forest Green chairman Dale Vince said he could see “no real reason” not to try to complete the season.
Vince wrote on Twitter: “We want the football season to be completed, and see no real reason not to – yes there are operational issues, but these will exist for the start of the next season, so it’s a useful dress rehearsal.
“It’s important to complete the competition for promotion and relegation.”
