Sunderland issue important season card update for supporters as crunch talks over League One season continue

The dates have been extended for anothr month as the EFL continue their discussions on how and indeed if League One football will return.

The Government announced earlier this week that it could allow sporting events to return behind closed doors from June 1st.

However, they also confirmed that stadiums will not be opened to the public until ‘significantly’ later.

This could potentially have significant implications for the third and fourth tiers of the league pryamid, where broadcast revenues are significantly smaller and gate revenues are key.

Many clubs have expressed reservations about restarting the current season, or indeed beginning a new one, without supporters.

EFL Chairman Rick Parry has been clear in stating that due to the large-scale expiration of contracts throughout the league pyramid, the current season cannot continue past July 31st.

The goal remains the completion of all three leagues when safe to do so, but the EFL is holding its weekly board meeting on Wednesday and the individual clubs are then expected to discuss the situation towards the end of this week.

As such, Sunderland have moved to tell supporters that they will give an update on current season card holders (and how they will deal with the home games still to be played) once there is further guidance on how and if the current season will resume.

For next season, early-bird prices will now be available until next month.

The new dates are:

Early-bird pricing: Thursday 4 June Direct debit deadline: Thursday 11 June First direct debit payment: Wednesday 1 July

A club statement added: “The box office remains closed – including contact via telephone and email – and all requests and correspondence will be actioned upon reopening.

“An update on 2019-20 season cards will be provided upon the club receiving further clarity from the EFL regarding the completion of the current campaign.

“SAFC would like to thank supporters for their continued patience throughout what is an incredibly challenging time for us all.”

The deadlines will be reassessed if required, in line with advice from the Government, FA and EFL.