The EFL will take approximately 56 days to complete upon its return following the coronavirus pandemic, according to Sky Sports.
EFL Will Take 56 Days to Complete Following Coronavirus Pandemic
Current Situation
All football in England is currently suspended indefinitely. Previously, there was a scheduled return of April 30; however, that was always an unlikely return date due to the ongoing situation with Covid-19.
As a result, a return of Premier League and EFL action is currently unknown.
A statement released by the EFL, which BBC’s Dan Roan has seen, has told clubs that they should not resume any activity – including training – until 16 May.
However, that date will remain flexible to adapt to government advice.
Will Include All Fixtures
The estimated 56 days will include all fixtures, such as two-legged play-off semi-finals and the final itself.
However, like the date set for when clubs can return to training, this will only begin when safe to do so.
“Whenever the decision is taken that it is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the League will require approximately 56 days to complete outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs),” the statement read.
“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.”
Several EFL clubs in all three divisions have placed staff on furlough leave. As a result, they will require notice in order to return back to normal life.
Likely to Be Behind Closed Doors
While EFL clubs are currently struggling without matchday revenue, there may be no option but to resume behind closed doors.
The EFL said: “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.”
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