English Football League play to resume without fans due to coronavirus

The English Football League (EFL) has confirmed that their matches in Championship, League One and League Two are most likely to begin again, only this time they will be played without fans present and broadcast online, according to The Independent.

Rick Perry, chairman of the English Football League, confirmed that they have yet to set an exact day for when the league will return due to the uncertainties of the pandemic, but that plans are being assessed. The UK government announced that as of Thursday, their lockdown measures will remain in place until at least May 7.

Once the league does resume, they still won't be open to the public and the stands will remain empty. This is a hard pill to swallow for season-ticket holders who will likely miss out on most the 2019-2020 season. The league is taking measures however to ensure that all games are broadcast through various streaming services.

In the open letter to fans, Parry wrote, “To give you an honest assessment of the current situation; the point at which you will be able to attend games again remains unclear. Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so. Your contribution to the matchday experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted. Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.

“And whilst we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns. Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent Club streaming services. We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.”

The EFL'S main goal is to “deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season that ensures the integrity of our competitions." The idea is that this will coincide with other European leagues that are also trying to complete their current seasons before starting new ones.

Parry took a moment to acknowledge that many people's livelihoods are dependent on the continuation of the league and that the EFL faces many complicated factors and decisions ahead.

“As I am sure you will appreciate, the situation presents significant operational and financial challenges, including the logistics of clubs returning to full operational status, the practicalities of playing football behind closed doors, and the possible knock-on effects for the 2020/21 campaign,” said Parry. “Please be assured that we are working hard on these and will update you as soon as we can once decisions have been made.”

“The contribution to football’s finances made by match-going supporters should not be underestimated. It is critical to the business model of league football. Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is not knowing when we will be able to reintroduce football in front of crowds. We can only hope that the situation develops in such a way that we will be able to do so with the shortest possible break.

“With or without spectators, delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season remains our goal to ensure the integrity of our competitions. This, of course, means that a number of factors – including when, where and within what timeframe fixtures will be played – must be given careful consideration in line with government advice. Similar factors must also be taken into account when agreeing an approach towards player training and testing, not least the appropriate level of medical resource and creation of an effective and efficient medical matchday protocol.

“Aside from two catastrophic World Wars, this pandemic is arguably the most challenging issue to have affected football since the League was founded 132 years ago,” Parry added.