Bradford City players and staff to be placed on furlough leave

City insist that the move will enable them retain its employees while receiving support from the government.

The decision has been made in order to protect cash reserves, with Bradford, like a number of other EFL clubs, 'facing a great deal of pressure' according to director of communications Ryan Sparks.

The backing from Westminster sees 80 per-cent of full-time staff and players’ wages covered - up to a value of £2,500 per month, per employee.

And those who have been furloughed will have the rest of their salaries paid by the club, it has been confirmed.

Training was suspended on March 14 after a member of the Bantams’ coaching staff displayed symptoms of COVID-19, and players have not since reported for training.

City’s administrative staff were asked to work from home, where possible, in the days which followed.

Confirming the move, Sparks said: "These measures are far from ideal, though given the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in, they protect employees who are unable to perform their duties - avoiding forced redundancies.

"From a cashflow perspective, we and a number of our EFL counterparts are facing a great deal of pressure.

"This is no-one’s fault and football's governing bodies have been extremely helpful, but we have to take action in order to safeguard the future of Bradford City.

"There is no indication as to when the season will resume. The governing bodies are continuing to discuss this across Europe and we are hopeful of some progress over the coming days.

"We are very confident this season will be completed in one way or another - and that next season will happen.

"There could be a delay to its start, of course, with a shift in the usual calendar. Discussions with the EFL are continuing around that and we are fully engaged in them.

"That aside, our thoughts and prayers at this time are with the families of those being directly affected by COVID-19.

"Many lives have already been lost in this country, with more coronavirus cases being reported every single day.

"We have to look after our people and ensure football’s future, but it is not a priority at this time.

"Right now, the focus is on staying home, protecting the NHS - which continues to do an incredible job - and saving lives.

"We urge our supporters and the people of Bradford to continue to follow government advice and stay safe.”