The key issues being discussed as the EFL plot return for Sunderland and League One

The EFL remain hopeful that the current season can be completed in the summer months, with one club chairman believing there is a ‘chance’ of a return in early June.
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Forest Green’s Dale Vince says the situation remains ‘out of football’s hands’ and key to any potential return would be the viability of testing players regularly.

The Premier League are expected to take on the cost of testing for their clubs but this is clearly a much more difficult issue in the three leagues below.

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“I'm not aware of any conversations around costs,” Vince told PA.

Sunderland are waiting for news on what will happen to their current campaignSunderland are waiting for news on what will happen to their current campaign
Sunderland are waiting for news on what will happen to their current campaign

“But it's important any testing we do doesn't conflict with any testing in the public realm, particularly of frontline staff. It's important that what we do in football doesn't hinder the general population.

“We need to see the situation in the country change - it needs to continue to improve in terms of infection rates and death rates.

“The ability to test and contact trace is really important to the national recovery and presuming that goes well then there's a chance we can get football back on. I would say June 6 is probably the earliest but a number of things have to come together for that to happen, it could easily be a week or two later."

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The EFL have previously told clubs they believe the season can be completed in 56 days, and have advised of a possible return to training on May 16, though this is clearly dependent on government advice.

In a statement last weekend, they said that extensive testing that does not affect the nation’s key workers would be key to any possible return: “Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country’s front-line workers, the Emergency services, League and Club staff members

“The EFL’s medical advisor is working with a select group of medical professionals and sports scientists to ensure their collective expertise is utilised to address these issues.

“This group will consider the latest medical information and evidence from both in the UK and abroad, particularly around the viability and accessibility of the various COVID-19 tests that are currently available.”

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EFL Chairman Rick Parry has already told supporters that football will resume behind closed doors, something that remains a concern for a number of club owners.

The EFL have promised to investigate how the losses this would incur could be mitigated against.

Vince added that he expects the EFL to adpot the same measures for player’s return to training as the Premier League.

"I am really sure that we will follow the same model. They are bound to move first, and I am sure that we will adopt the same approach," he said.

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"My understanding is players will be driving to training in their kit and they'll be leaving straight away and going home, so there's no changing room congregation.

"I imagine for games you'd take the same approach - everyone turns up ready to play and then goes home."