EFL reveal what happens next with the 2019/20 season – with it currently suspended – in a statement which they published on Wednesday afternoon.
The English Football League board met today to discuss the implications of the COVID-19 outbreak for the League and its Clubs.
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
THE EFL’S STATEMENT:
After receiving a detailed brief on a number of matters, the Board reaffirmed that the health and well-being of EFL staff, players, Club employees and supporters would remain central to all decisions in these fast-changing circumstances.
The EFL Board also acknowledges the positive role that member Clubs are playing in community solidarity, especially in supporting the vulnerable at this time.
2019/20 SEASON SCHEDULE
The primary objective, in order to protect competition integrity, is to deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season, subject to the over-riding priority around health and well-being. Plans continue to be developed on the agreed principle that it is in the best interests of the EFL and Clubs to complete the current season at the appropriate time.
The EFL is continuing regular dialogue with the Government and relevant health authorities and, as and when more information is known regarding the scale and extent of the coronavirus outbreak in this country, a decision will be taken on the resumption of the League’s fixtures.
Conversations will continue with the EFL’s counterparts at the FA, the Premier League, the PFA and the LMA to ensure football achieves a joined-up and collaborative approach.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
As part of the League’s continued contingency planning, the Board heard the comments and observations from EFL Clubs, before discussing a number of issues including the current financial position and implications, insurance, regulatory matters and broadcasting arrangements.
Discussions centred on financial relief for Clubs in the short term and while there is no one single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately assist with cash flow via a £50million short-term relief package.
This fund consists of the remaining Basic Award payments being advanced to Clubs immediately, with the remainder made up through interest-free loan facility available to Clubs, calculated in line with the EFL’s Article of Associations.
The cash injection is included as part of a series of measures, that includes potential Government support to help Clubs and their associated businesses through this period of uncertainty. The EFL welcomes last night’s announcement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and is continuing discussions to understand how our Clubs can access the funding made available to support businesses.
In addition, we will continue our discussions with our football partners to determine how we can all get through this difficult, challenging and unprecedented situation.
CONTINGENCY PLANNING
The EFL, through a dedicated taskforce, continues to review the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on our Clubs and competitions.
Alongside ensuring the 2019/20 season reaches a successful conclusion, protecting the EFL and its Clubs is a key priority for the EFL Board, who have today agreed on the following objectives to support future decision-making:
• Ensure the health and well-being of our Clubs’ employees, supporters and communities
• Make a positive contribution to the UK’s efforts to tackle coronavirus
• Protect the EFL’s financial model and Club finances
• Enable the EFL to continue to function as a business
• Deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season
www.fanbanter.co.uk – Fan reaction to the latest football news, gossip & funnies
The EFL Board has agreed that the Leasing.com Trophy Final, scheduled to take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday 5 April, should be postponed given the escalating situation in respect of COVID-19.
This is appropriate given the scale and significance of the event to the football calendar, new sponsor Leasing.com, the EFL, both Clubs involved and their supporters.
Over 50,000 tickets have been sold for the showpiece final, and the EFL does not want to be in a position whereby many thousands of supporters are forced to change their plans at late notice, so the decision has been taken in the best interest of all parties.
All ticket holders will be notified of the new date as soon as possible.
———————
———————
Fans gave their reaction as the EFL reveal what happens next with the 2019/20 season…
The correct approach. Conclude the season when its safe enough to do so. Hopefully the @premierleague will follow suit tomorrow at their meeting.
— Spion Kop (@TheKopHQ) March 18, 2020
— James Wright (@jamesbravo2000) March 18, 2020
Why should they just hand out charity money to bury because their club wasn’t run correctly? This is completely different on every level
— Sam Roberts (@samr36) March 18, 2020
Not often their biggest fan but good work and outlay from the EFL credit where it’s due
— Paul (@PDSwan80) March 18, 2020
Over to you @TheVanaramaNL
— Stuart Akister (@StuartAkister) March 18, 2020
Health first, but a bit of footy, even behind closed doors would be a very welcome diversion in these dark times.
— Chris Neal (@cgsneal) March 18, 2020
Credit to the @EFL for wanting to finish the league and give Leeds and West Brom the chance to be promoted and also bringing in a £50 million pack to make sure clubs don’t go bust ?? over to you @premierleague #covid19UK #EFL
— Lewis Harrison (@LewHarrison2001) March 18, 2020
Don’t forget Derby’s points deduction….. @joestevo8
— Rob Willetts (@Rob04486890) March 18, 2020
Bury got themselves into a mess. Yes the EFL failed them but Bury fans were very happy when they were signing players on big wages. This on the other hand isn’t anyone’s fault
— dan (@danowenss) March 18, 2020
EFL putting the Premier League to shame ?
— Ben Kiley (@BenKiley_) March 18, 2020
Best statement you've ever come out with.
— nickcaplan (@caplannick) March 18, 2020
Scrap the whole thing and scrap it for good.
— Nino Barone (@NinoBarone27) March 18, 2020
Salford better cancel that taxi.
— Bacon Bantam (@BaconBantam) March 18, 2020
You must be logged in to post a comment Login