The key decisions UEFA are set to take today and how it will affect Sunderland and League One

The EFL issued a statement on Monday insisting that no decisions had been taken, and that they would not respond to speculation on 'hypothetical' scenarios.

Clubs and supporters have been promised an update following a board meeting later this week.

The discussions that take place there will be informed hugely by a UEFA summit taking place today.

The European governing body is set to hold a series of video conferences with the European Club Association, European Leagues, representatives of its 55 associations and its executive committee.

Here's why it's so key for the UK and Sunderland....

EURO 2020

It is now believed to be little more than a formality that the decision will be taken to postpone EURO 2020.

This is absolutely crucial as it would then raise the possibility for leagues throughout the continent to extend their seasons.

The EFL is set to resume on April 3rd, but there is a growing acceptance in the game that the COVID-19 outbreak is likely to force a longer lay-off.

A postponement of the Euros could allow valuable time for domestic football to resume later in the summer and seasons to be played to a conclusion.

UEFA will then have to decide when it does hold its showpiece tournament.

Next summer would be most likely, but that raises its own issues given that there are Nations League games already scheduled.

UEFA will also consider how to complete its Champions League and Europa League schedule, with the prospect of quarter finals and semi finals being played over one leg mooted, as well as 'mini tournaments' that could help the tournament be completed.

While that clearly does not affect Sunderland or the EFL directly, these decisions will have a huge impact on determining the kind of calendar the governing bodies have to work within.

MARCH INTERNATIONALS

A decision is also likely to made on the EURO 2020 play-offs scheduled to take place later this month.

Sunderland are likely to have four players involved, with Tom Flanagan, Conor McLaughlin and Kyle Lafferty already called up by Northern Ireland, and Jon McLaughlin certain to be selected by Scotland.

The Bosnian FA have already requested their clash with Northern Ireland be postponed, and FIFA have recommended that all internationals this month and next are delayed.

OTHER BUSINESS

Any changes to the schedule will lead to a number of other issues to be considered, and key will be the scheduling of the summer transfer windows.

UEFA will have to consider the impact on player registration and how it could affect the closing stages of a delayed campaign.

Alongside FIFA, there are key decisions to be made both on that and the potentially crucial issue of players seeing their contracts expire while the season continues.

Of course, these decisions are all entirely dependent on when it becomes safe to resume football as the outbreak across Europe continues.

That remains the most important factor and the greatest unknown.