EFL release statement as they confirm Sunderland 'investigation' after three League One games postponed

The EFL have confirmed that they will investigate the ‘circumstances surrounding’ the postponement of three Sunderland games – after the club’s COVID-19 outbreak.
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Sunderland confirmed on Wednesday evening that they would be unable to fulfil their next three fixtures after four new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed at the Academy of Light - taking the total at the club to five.

And now, as per league regulations, the EFL have confirmed that an investigation will be launched into the fact the fixtures have been postponed.

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This is standard practice for any games postponed due to COVID-19, with a host of other investigations currently ongoing for fixtures postponed earlier in the season.

EFL release statement as they confirm Sunderland 'investigation' after three League One games postponedEFL release statement as they confirm Sunderland 'investigation' after three League One games postponed
EFL release statement as they confirm Sunderland 'investigation' after three League One games postponed

As of yet, none have come to a conclusion – meaning clubs are somewhat in the dark over what the investigation entails and the potential sanctions that could come at the end of it.

In their statement, the EFL also said they would be helping Sunderland in ‘conducting a thorough review’ of their COVID-19 procedures as the club aim to reopen the Academy of Light on December 27.

The statement, released on Wednesday, said: “Sunderland’s next three Sky Bet League One fixtures against Shrewsbury Town (Saturday 19 December), Blackpool (Tuesday 22 December) and Hull City (Saturday 26 December) have been suspended.

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“Sunderland today informed the EFL that they will be unable to fulfil the fixtures following guidance from the local authorities, including Public Health England, on Wednesday that has resulted in facilities at the Club being closed.

“After one senior player tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, selected players and staff undertook additional testing and a further four cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed and therefore all those affected are required to self-isolate for 10 days as per guidance in order to mitigate against the risk of further infection.

“Sunderland, the EFL and the relevant authorities will be conducting a thorough review of the Club’s COVID-19 secure procedures with the view to reopening the stadium and training ground as soon as possible.

“The safety and well-being of players is a priority and the protocols that have been developed are designed to protect individuals and, if followed, will help prevent the spread of infection.

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“All EFL Clubs are aware of the processes and steps needed to take in the event of positive cases of COVID-19 and the impact this could have on their wider playing squads. This includes informing the League if they determine they are not able to fulfil a fixture safely.

“The circumstances surrounding the postponements will now be the subject of an investigation in accordance with EFL Regulations.

“Revised dates for the rearranged fixtures will be confirmed in due course.”

Sunderland CEO Jim Rodwell said on Wednesday that postponing the fixtures and closing the training ground was the ‘responsible’ decision.

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"It is with a heavy heart that I have informed the EFL that we are unable to play our next three league fixtures,” he said.

"The welfare of our players, staff and opponents remains the number one priority and following detailed conversations with the relevant authorities, we have also taken the responsible decision to close the Academy of Light for a 10-day period.

"On behalf of everyone at the club, I wish all of those affected a swift and complete recovery.”

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