What Oxford United have said about fans attending this weekend's game with Sunderland

We take a look at what has been announced by the league and how it could affect the Black Cats in the coming weeks:

What exactly is happening?

The EFL have confirmed that they will be supporting a number of pilot events this weekend – in which 1,000 supporters will be welcomed into select games across the Championship, League One and League Two.

Clubs were informed of the plans at around 11:30am yesterday and were asked to apply by the close of play on Tuesday.

An EFL spokesman said: “The league is clear in its view that social distancing can be applied safely in football stadia and that having crowds at matches is an absolutely essential part of helping to protect club finances, which remain under extreme pressure.

“Therefore, the successful delivery of further pilots will be an important step towards getting larger number of fans into grounds safely.”

These pilot events come ahead of a meeting between the EFL and government officials later this week, where it is hoped plans will be put in place to facilitate a return of supporters to stadia from October 1.

The EFL’s head of policy John Nagle believes the next 48 hours will be ‘critical’.

“We now understand that the next 48 hours are likely to be critical in terms of determining the direction of travel on this issue,” Nagle wrote in a letter which has been seen by the PA news agency.

What does it mean for Sunderland and their trip to Oxford United?

Nothing, to put it bluntly.

Oxford United have confirmed they have not applied to hold a pilot event.

In a statement released on Wednesday, they said: “Oxford United can confirm that Saturday’s home Sky Bet League 1 game against Sunderland will be behind closed doors despite yesterday’s news that the EFL had given the green light for clubs to run pilot events for up to 1,000 supporters to return to football stadiums this weekend.

“The club has worked hard with all of the relevant authorities and detailed plans have been drawn up for a safe return for fans under socially distanced conditions.

“However, the time scales involved for making the request to the EFL were relatively short and so the club has instead opted to request a pilot event when we welcome Crewe Alexandra to the Kassam Stadium on Saturday 3rd October.”

Which clubs will be holding fan pilots?

It has not yet been confirmed which clubs will host pilot events, although the EFL are expected to confirm this imminently.

Some clubs have already confirmed they have applied to host pilot events this weekend though – with Shrewsbury, Carlisle and Walsall already throwing their hats into the ring.

Could Sunderland host a fan pilot in the future?

The EFL have currently only scheduled pilot events for this coming weekend.

So at present, there are no plans for a pilot event at the Stadium of Light – although this could quickly change if further plans were announced for future fixtures.

A message from the Football Clubs Editor:

Hi, our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club every single day, home and away, 365 days a year.

This depth of SAFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at the Sunderland Echo, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package.

You'll find all the details at sunderlandecho.com/subscriptions/sports.

Your support is much appreciated.

Richard Mennear

Football Clubs Editor