The financial and football decisions the EFL just announced and how they affect Sunderland's League One campaign

The EFL have said that completing the current season remains their ‘primary objective’.
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However, there will be no decisions made on the resumption of fixtures until the full extent of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK is understood.

Following the board meeting earlier today, they have also announced a £50 million short-term relief fund to help clubs whose cashflow has been affected by the postponement of all fixtures.

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A number of club directors have voiced their concerns in recent days as to how their club’s finances will be affected.

The EFL has offered an update on its contingency planningThe EFL has offered an update on its contingency planning
The EFL has offered an update on its contingency planning

Clubs will be advanced their basic award payments immediately, and will also be able to borrow from an interest-free credit fund, ‘calculated in line with the EFL’s Article of Associations.’

The statement reads: “The primary objective, in order to protect competition integrity, is to deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season, subject to the over-riding priority around health and well-being. Plans continue to be developed on the agreed principle that it is in the best interests of the EFL and Clubs to complete the current season at the appropriate time.

“The EFL is continuing regular dialogue with the Government and relevant health authorities and, as and when more information is known regarding the scale and extent of the coronavirus outbreak in this country, a decision will be taken on the resumption of the League’s fixtures.

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“Conversations will continue with the EFL’s counterparts at the FA, the Premier League, the PFA and the LMA to ensure football achieves a joined-up and collaborative approach.”

The Premier League are set to meet tomorrow to discuss their response to the growing crisis.

The EFL’s statement went on to add: “The EFL, through a dedicated taskforce, continues to review the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on our Clubs and competitions.

Alongside ensuring the 2019/20 season reaches a successful conclusion, protecting the EFL and its Clubs is a key priority for the EFL Board, who have today agreed on the following objectives to support future decision-making:

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• Ensure the health and well-being of our Clubs’ employees, supporters and communities• Make a positive contribution to the UK’s efforts to tackle coronavirus• Protect the EFL’s financial model and Club finances• Enable the EFL to continue to function as a business• Deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season

A statement from UEFA yesterday said that there was a commitment across the continent to try and finish all domestic leagues by June 30th.

Whether this is possible remains highly uncertain and it admitted that this could potentially be subject to review.

The season could yet continue beyond that date, and the EFL’s statement reflects a widespread desire throughout the league pyramid to complete the current campaign, rather than declare it null and void.

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Though Southend Chairman Ron Martin said on Tuesday that should be the league’s approach, the vast majority disagree, and Peterborough United Chairman has already said that he would consider legal action if the EFL went down that route.