By All EFL games to resume behind closed doors
The English Football League (EFL) have announced that all remaining games across the Championship, League One and League Two will resume behind closed doors, and are set to be broadcast live on television or online.
This comes after clubs were told that it would be possible to finish the English Football League (EFL) Season in 56 days, when it is safe to resume games, amid the current crisis.
The EFL season is currently suspended indefinitely, and there is no scheduled return date, with the government announcing a further three-week UK lockdown that runs until 7 May at the very least.
Several sides have already put players and staff on furlough or temporary leave.
All 24 sides in the Championship still have nine matches to play. Some clubs in League One have 12 games remaining, while in League Two, teams have either nine or 10 matches remaining to complete the regular season.
EFL Chairman Rick Parry confirmed that when games eventually resume, fans will be locked out of EFL matches, meaning hundreds of thousands of season-ticket holders and match-going supporters face missing out on a large chunk of the remaining 2019/20 season, if not all of it.
Parry said:
“To give you an honest assessment of the current situation; the point at which you will be able to attend games again remains unclear. Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Your contribution to the match day experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted.
“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.
“And whilst we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.
“Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services.
“We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.”
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