Bookmakers suspend betting on Sunderland to be promoted in 2019/20 - as League One braced for extended break

While the season is set to resume on April 4 following a three-week suspension, there are doubts over whether the season will indeed kick-off again this early - or indeed at all.

And with that in mind, several prominent bookmakers have already suspended betting on a number of top European leagues - including the Premier League, La Liga, Scottish Premier League and the Champions League.

There are also no bets being taken on League One, where Sunderland remain in with a chance of promotion - either automatically or via the play-offs.

But while the Black Cats were backed as early promotion contenders by the bookmakers, punters will be unable to back them in the coming weeks as the season pauses.

Those who have already taken such bets off the market include Sky Bet, William Hill and Paddy Power.

In a statement on their website, SkyBet said: “We are continuing to monitor the Coronavirus pandemic and how it is impacting the sporting calendar.”

There is currently no guidance over what will happen with bets placed on the outcome of League One should Sunderland not complete their season, with all parties currently committed to finishing the 2019/20 campaign.

EFL and Premier League bosses are set to meet later this week to thrash out their plans, while UEFA’s members will convene on Tuesday with the future of this summer’s European Championships high on the agenda.