EFL send radical plan to clubs to finish the 2019/20 campaign

EFL send radical plan to clubs to finish the 2019/20 campaign which could be completed in just 56 days – with games to go behind closed doors.

In a letter to all clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two, which has been seen by the Gazette, EFL chairman Rick Parry has revealed his plan to finish the season in just 56 days with fixtures set to be played behind closed doors.

That timeframe, which is the same as eight weeks, would see all remaining fixtures, plus the play-offs, completed.

The EFL have also told all clubs NOT to return to training until May 16 at the earliest – but are asking to give sides adequate time to prepare for the resumption of the campaign.

In the letter, chairman Rick Parry writes: “We currently estimate that the League will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including Play-Offs) and 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 postponement in place.

“The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that 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.”

“Clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until 16 May at the earliest,” he continued.

“How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities.”

Fans reacted after reading that EFL send radical a plan to clubs to finish the 2019/20 campaign…

Can see the logic but think that will cause more issues than it’s worth, there will be legal cases galore. They’ve obviously committed to finishing the season at any cost.

— Matt Scrafton (@matt_scrafton) April 9, 2020

Totally stupid idea, should void or call season as it is and help clubs financially.

— tangerinedave (@itstangerine) April 9, 2020

What a shambles.

— Boo??????? (@Boo_1982) April 9, 2020

Good news! Only concern though, is it will be very hard to stop crowds from gathering outside if Promotion is on the line and the lockdown has been reduced! Hopefully last couple of games will have fans in!????

— Jamie Green (@JamieG378) April 9, 2020

Rumoured it would be done via iFollow.

— Jake Collinson (@SAFCJC91) April 9, 2020

What’s the point starting a new season when the 75% completed season hasn’t even ended yet?

— Aaron (@aarongosling_) April 9, 2020

Why are people shocked that the EFL are making potential plans? ‘1000 people died yesterday and all they care about is football’

Please do enlighten me on what you expect the English FOOTBALL league to be doing… dafties

They’re not planning on playing next weekend are they https://t.co/0FgQrLd5L9

— Joshua (@JoshYouAmayesin) April 9, 2020

Imagine the feeling, first game of the season at ER in the Premier League. Witnessing that, and that atmosphere will make you forget all about not being there the moment we go up. That’s what’s important. Premier League football.

— Ziffy ?? (@NZiffy) April 9, 2020