The EFL has released a statement reiterating their intention that the 2019/20 season should be played to a conclusion once it is appropriate to do so with “operational mitigation and scenario planning” ongoing. In addition, the EFL says it is discussing changes to financial regulations with its clubs.

According to reports this morning, Premier League matches staged behind closed doors could start being played within weeks.

Talks have taken place with officials from Public Health England regarding the criteria which would need to be met for matches to take place. Football is current suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus crisis.

Earlier this month, the EFL told clubs to aim to get their players back for May 16th ahead of a mini-pre-season in preparation for the season’s resumption behind closed doors, reportedly on June 6th.

The new EFL statement reads: “The EFL notes this morning’s newspaper reports in respect of the potential resumption of professional football matches in England and Wales and welcomes the current steps being taken by the UK Government to establish a group of governing bodies to look at the complex set of challenges facing the wider sporting industry.

“The position of the EFL remains unchanged in that the priority is to resume the 2019/20 season as soon as it is possible with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on guidance from the relevant authorities. The health and well-being of the nation has to come first.

“However, it is also our view that a successful return to playing in this country can only come about through a continued collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including the Premier League and Football Association, in order for important issues to be aligned such as, but not limited to, scheduling of fixtures, promotion, relegation and the opening and closing of transfer windows. This work has been ongoing for some time and will continue in the weeks ahead.

“Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country’s frontline workers, the emergency services, League and club staff members.

“The EFL’s medical advisor is working with a select group of medical professionals and sports scientists to ensure their collective expertise is utilised to address these issues. This group will consider the latest medical information and evidence from both in the UK and abroad, particularly around the viability and accessibility of the various Covid-19 tests that are currently available.

“As part of our work to address the broader challenges posed by Covid-19, the EFL will continue to engage in dialogue with the Government, football partners, member clubs and other relevant stakeholders about the evolving situation.

“At this time our operational mitigation and scenario planning is continuing so that when it is appropriate and safe for football to return at EFL clubs up and down the country, we can make the necessary determinations quickly and with some clarity.

“This work includes the relevant protocols for playing behind closed doors at all 71 clubs and access to those matches for our broadcast partners and supporters.

“In consideration of the current challenges, a variety of proposals and ideas have also been put forward by EFL clubs in relation to operational and financial matters. While these contributions are welcome, it is important to emphasise that there is a range of opinion among our membership and that no decisions have been taken at this stage.

“In addition, the EFL board is also consulting with member clubs about potential changes to financial regulations with the aim of improving the current position. These discussions follow on from the reviews of divisional cost control measures that were already under way at the start of the outbreak.

“The EFL board will continue to lead dialogue with members via divisional representatives on all EFL matters to ensure any future decisions are reflective of the collective position and in the interests of the League and football as a whole.”

Town, 10th in League One, seven points off the play-offs, have eight games left to play, five at home, three away.

Photo: Contributed

Gilesy added 16:46 - Apr 25 That last paragraph is the most depressing football-related one I think I've ever read.
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warksonwater added 18:07 - Apr 25 I'n not saying it's anything short of disastrous that we're probably not going up. Of course it is. But it would be very strange not celebrating it in the normal way with big crowds etc. Just hoping we don't blow it again next season and are able to celebrate it properly.
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alfromcol added 18:18 - Apr 25 Playing of matches behind closed doors have to adhere to the Governments social isolation guidelines: 1. Only 4 players in the penalty box for corners. 2. Defenders have to stay in their own half. 3. No physical contact 4. Officials to wear full NHS ICU PPE at all times 5. No spitting on the pitch. 6. No clearing of nazal passages on the pitch
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LWNR2013 added 19:02 - Apr 25 operational mitigation and scenario planning” ... is that code for bxxxxxxs?
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LWNR2013 added 19:04 - Apr 25 Sorry I just thought ‘geek speak'
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herfie added 19:44 - Apr 25 Reassuring to know that there are such great minds running the EFL - we're in safe hands!
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ArnieM added 19:56 - Apr 25 Alfromcol: I think the first 3 points on that list mirror Town to a Tee 👍😁
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BtreeBlueBlood added 19:57 - Apr 25 Just read the top 8 team could have a mini tournament-in div 1 & 2. With those proposals-Does that mean we are finished
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runningout added 20:33 - Apr 25 We don't exactly deserve to go up due to being totally inept.
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dirtydingusmagee added 11:24 - Apr 27 top 8, lol we are 10 pence short again . ............remember when we were top, games in hand, and were going to rip it up . .....Oh well back to isolation .
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