EFL advises that no training should take place before May 16th and gives an estimate on how long it will take to complete season
The EFL has written to all it’s member clubs on how it intends to complete the 2019/20 season.
In a letter published on Sky Sports, the EFL board are advising that no training should take place at clubs until ‘May 16th at the earliest.’
All professional football in the UK has been suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak that is forcing countries around the world into lockdown. Boris Johnson placed the UK in lockdown on March 23rd, the prime minister has also tested positive for the virus and was admitted to St Thomas’ hospital on Sunday night before moving to intensive care on Monday.
The letter informs clubs that the EFL estimates it would require 56 days to complete the season, including the end of season play-offs from the date of resumption.
The letter read “Whenever the decision is taken that is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the League will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs). We are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponements in place.”
The league has said from the start of the suspension that it’s aim is to complete the season and reiterated it in its letter to member clubs. However, they did warn clubs that they expect games to be played behind closed doors upon resumption.
“We are in a position whereby the 2019-20 campaign will be extended, but still remain hopeful of a conclusion in the summer months. The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that the end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged semi-finals and a final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.
“It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best we can.”
Both Millwall and Charlton still have plenty to play for in the remaining nine fixtures. Millwall sat eighth, two places and two points adrift of the top six. Meanwhile, the Addicks occupy the final relegation spot two points adrift of safety.