Clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two have been told not to resume training until May 16 “at the earliest” with the aim of completing the 2019/20 campaign in 56 days once football resumes, a report from The Telegraph has revealed.
It is claimed that football hopes to return again by June and finish the season in August.
Championship, League One and League Two clubs have also been told to advise their players to take their holidays now as there will be no time between the end of this season and the beginning of the next campaign.
In a letter seen by The Telegraph, Rick Parry, the EFL chairman, has added that it is still the intention to have the two-legged semi-finals and a final of the play-offs “although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.” That, therefore, means that the play-offs may not be staged at Wembley.
Parry has told the EFL’s 71 clubs to expect games to be played behind closed doors, with the possibility of social distancing restrictions still in operation.
In the letter, Parry added: “It is our working assumption at this stage. We are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best as we can.”
The letter is the first detailed timescale that has been circulated as to when football can return.
Parry wrote: “As confirmed last Friday [April 3], EFL matches are currently postponed indefinitely as the EFL Board today [Wednesday April 8] determined that, to provide a level of certainty, clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until 16 May at the earliest.
“Whenever the decision is taken that is safe to resume, we currently estimate that the league will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs) and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponements in place.
“How and when we return [including training] is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities. Clearly, we are in a position whereby the 2019-20 campaign will be extended, but still remain hopeful of a conclusion in the summer months.
“The EFL Board is currently working on the basis that the end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged semi-finals and a final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.”
Parry has outlined the importance of clubs considering the possibility of giving players their holiday time now, which many clubs may consider as impractical and may not be approved.
On that matter, Parry added: “Clubs should consider their obligations to players in respect of annual leave and suggest those not currently furloughed be instructed to take time off, if they haven’t as yet done so.
“A further communication will be issued on this subject, alongside a summary on current player registration and contract matters by the close of play on Thursday.”
