Every Premier League player will need to confirm they understand the risks of returning to training by 'opting in' before they get back to action next week.
The majority of top-flight stars are expected to resume training with social distancing measures in place on May 18 following talks with government officials.
But as part of new guidelines for training and competition released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, players will now have the opportunity to refuse to take part.
A number of big names, including Sergio Aguero and Danny Rose, have expressed their fears over returning too soon, with the coronavirus continuing to claim hundreds of lives every day in the UK.