The chairman of the EFL, Rick Parry, has confirmed that, when football matches restart, they are ‘likely’ to be behind closed doors, amid the Coronavirus pandemic.
In an open letter to supporters, the former Liverpool chief has said that the league will “endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns” and that their goal remains the completion of the current season.
Parry last week wrote to all 71 EFL clubs with a proposal to finish the season in 56 days, when it’s safe to do so, and Luton chief executive Gary Sweet has revealed just how reliant the game is on completing the season.
Sweet also revealed this week that negotiations are underway with players around reducing the club’s wage bill, and Parry confirmed that ‘good progress is being made in these areas’.
And while the lower league season across the border in Scotland was this week declared over, this latest EFL missive gives the most concrete indication yet of the direction that football in England will take..
In a long letter, Parry wrote: ‘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 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 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.
‘As we’ve previously stated, the health and wellbeing of our Clubs, their players and staff, and you – the fans – remains our first priority, and so you can appreciate that we want to give thorough and rigorous thought to these matters.
‘From the outset, we have committed to regular dialogue with each of these groups, as well as the Government, in order to tackle the challenges we face as effectively as possible. As well as taking into account the current climate in terms of public opinion, including those views of fans, we are regularly taking ideas and suggestions from our Clubs.
‘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. Our Clubs have been left with significant outgoings while facing a sudden loss of income. With this in mind, I’m sure you will be aware of talk about wages and deferrals. Good progress is being made in these areas, with a view to this assisting in delivering medium to long-term solutions that protect our game for years to come.
‘As I said when I arrived, the EFL and its Clubs matter to many people, but most of all to the supporters. It is natural, at this stage, that you will have many questions, and we will endeavour to continue to provide answers and solutions, but we must do so with your health – as well as that of the entire nation – in mind.
‘I thank you for your patience so far and ask for more of the same; this is a serious situation which is changing by the day, and one which requires informed and considered decisions. The next few weeks will bring more clarity when it comes to our operational plans and, as always, we’ll look to maintain regular communication.
‘One thing we can be sure of is that football, and normality, will return, and will so do more quickly if we remain united.
‘For now, thank you for your ongoing support and, please, stay safe.’
