Plans to play all Premier League and EFL games behind closed doors could be confirmed as soon as today, it is being reported.

The Government’s emergency COBRA committee is set to meet today and move to the ‘delay’ phase of its response to the Coronovirus pandemic from the current ‘contain’ stage.

"According to The Times, that will see the season move to a crisis plan which has been discussed between the Government and the football authorities.

As a result games will be played behind closed doors, rather than the alternative of the season being postponed, with EFL season ticket and match ticket holders able to watch games streamed live online via iFollow. Only players, officials, broadcasters and journalists will be allowed to attend matches.

There are worries that the loss of matchday income could lead to EFL clubs going to the wall and talks are said to have taken place regarding the potential for compensation. Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed in yesterday’s budget that £30 billion will be set aside to help tackle issues relating to the pandemic but it’s not yet known whether struggling football clubs could benefit from this.

Yesterday, Town club secretary Stuart Hayton outlined the Blues’ position as it stood: “We’re taking guidance from the EFL and their instruction at the moment is that it should be business as usual.

“The club has held an internal meeting to discuss the way forward if the situation changes.

"We have discussed the potential to bring in a mobile sanitiser unit, as was used at Twickenham for the rugby last weekend, for the game against Portsmouth at Portman Road on 21st March.

“We've also looked at the possibility of streaming matches free of charge to supporters should we be instructed to play behind closed doors like they have been in Italy and Europe.

“Like all businesses, an internal email has been sent around with guidelines about best practice regarding hygiene and what the remote working procedure would be for each department if required."
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Photo: TWTD

therein61 added 15:48 - Mar 12 Flippin eck!! the stadium is only 14 miles away from me and no need to drive(go by bus or train) i can have a few beers, still i appreciate these measures are needed at the current time so it's watch the stream with a few beers HIC!!!! COYB
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ronnyd added 16:08 - Mar 12 Cannot understand how UEFA allowed the game between L'pool and Athletico to go ahead last night. With over 3k Spanish fans coming over to Anfield and surrounding bars/pubs etc. then returning home, must increase the risk of more contagion both here in the UK and also in Madrid.
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tractorboybig added 16:40 - Mar 12 a ploy by evans to minimize any stay away protest,
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ringwoodblue added 16:55 - Mar 12 It could be argued that any fans who have attended games over the last two seasons haven't been getting value for money so not being able to attend for the remaining home games of this season is not much of a loss. We all need to just follow the guidelines and do everything we can to stay safe.
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BeattiesBackPocket added 17:12 - Mar 12 ArnieM have a word how is it the fans fault for our decline? Tell me how many other clubs fans would still sing and clap players off last few games of last season and after last seasons debacle and then up in their droves this season for a league one show!? I keep hearing how the fans are negative maybe listen to Kieron dyers assessment the other day being an ex player and all!

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Cakeman added 17:18 - Mar 12 Judging by the majority of previous comments I know I shall be caned but if we as season ticket holders are not receiving the product we paid for then compensation should be made. The facts could be that if all future games are to be played behind closed doors that will mean we can only see a maximum of 75% of the games we paid for. I include Bury's demise in that figure. How can it be right for the club to expect season ticket holders to pay for a service they are not receiving? That applies to services paid for in any industry too. I also am mindful, respectful and appreciative of the terrible fate some have endured with the virus. I am in no way trying to put money before health but fairs fair.

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BluJu added 17:23 - Mar 12 No ban has been put in place anyway. But you olds shouldn't go on a cruise.
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arnielowestoft added 17:23 - Mar 12 Blessing in disguise ......
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ArnieM added 05:14 - Mar 13 Differentgravy: No, it's got nothing to do with “not agreeing“. You stated / accused me of attributing Towns poor form to the fans responses. Thereby accusing me of accusing Town fans . Which is not what I said or meant at all. You got it totally wrong.
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ArnieM added 05:17 - Mar 13 Beattiesbackpocket: you also appear to have got hold of the wrong end of the stick . So my comment above supply's you you too. Have a word with yourself !
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Steve_ITFC_Sweden added 06:44 - Mar 13 How about every PL player forgoing one week's wages? That should do it, with plenty left over. After all, the PL would ultimately cease to exist in its present form without the feeder clubs it presently preys on.
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