EFL issue statement on coronavirus contingency planning as Sunderland and League One await developments

The EFL have insisted that ‘no decisions have been taken’ regarding the rest of the current campaign.
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In conjunction with the Premier League, the governing body last Friday announced a suspension of all fixtures until April 3rd at the earliest due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

There remains a strong possibility that the suspension will have to be extended beyond that date.

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It has led to significant discussion about how a resolution to the current campaign will be reached.

Sunderland expect a crucial update from the EFL later this weekSunderland expect a crucial update from the EFL later this week
Sunderland expect a crucial update from the EFL later this week

The EFL board is set to meet later this week, after a crucial summit which will see UEFA debate some key issues, such as whether EURO 2020 will be postponed for a year.

That could have the crucial impact of allowing domestic leagues to extend.

An update has been promised once that EFL meeting has taken place later this week.

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“The health and well-being of EFL staff, players, Club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented situation facing our game,” the statement reads.

“It is with that in the forefront of the League’s mind that it notes the intense speculation that has appeared across the local, national and international media over the weekend.

“Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next, there have, at this current time, been no decisions taken.

“The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain. Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within, it is simply not practical to give a running commentary on what may happen.

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“In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its clubs, in addition to liaising with the Government, health authorities and football partners.

“A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week.”

EFL Chair Rick Parry added: “These are indeed challenging times for the League, its Clubs and the game as a whole. However, now is the time for cool heads and calm reflection, rather than speculation as we look to steer our competitions and Clubs through this period of uncertainty.”

Sunderland’s players have been given the week off as the long break from competitive action begins.

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They had been due to be off at the start of this week anyway, with no fixture scheduled for this weekend and the possibility of an international break the weekend after that.

The club announced on Monday morning that it would be putting the sale of tickets for the trip to AFC Wimbledon on April 10th on hold until further information on what happens next is available.