EFL reiterate desire to complete 2019-20 season and call for a continued collaborative approach with the Premier League

The EFL have reiterated their commitment to completing the 2019-20 season and have called for a "continued collaborative approach" with the Premier League and FA.
The EFL are determined to complete 2019-20 campaign. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.The EFL are determined to complete 2019-20 campaign. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.
The EFL are determined to complete 2019-20 campaign. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.
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Professional football in England was suspended last month due to the coronavirus outbreak and while no date has been set for its return, the Football League is determined to see the campaign concluded.

However, they insist this can only come about through a collective effort between the EFL, FA and Premier League in order to allow fixtures and transfer window dates to be aligned across all four professional leagues.

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Sheffield United's Bramall Lane. Picture: Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images.
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The proposal from the government to set up meetings involving senior medical directors of major sports has also been welcomed, a move which could reportedly allow a return to action "within weeks".

"The position of the EFL remains unchanged in that the priority is to resume the 2019/20 season as soon as it is possible with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on guidance from the relevant authorities," read the statement.

"The health and well-being of the nation has to come first.

"However, it is also our view that a successful return to playing in this country can only come about through a continued collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including the Premier League and Football Association, in order for important issues to be aligned such as, but not limited to, scheduling of fixtures, promotion, relegation and the opening and closing of transfer windows.

DERBY: Action from Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday from February. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images.DERBY: Action from Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday from February. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images.
DERBY: Action from Barnsley v Sheffield Wednesday from February. Picture: George Wood/Getty Images.
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"This work has been ongoing for some time and will continue in the weeks ahead."

The statement comes a day after the Dutch FA ended their football season with no promotion or relegation. Only European places were awarded to top-flight clubs and the EFL are determined to avoid a repeat of that scenario.

The EFL insist that plans for coronavirus testing must be put into place but only when it will not put any added strain on the National Health Service.

The statement continued: "Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country’s front-line workers, the emergency services, league and club staff members.

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"The EFL’s medical advisor is working with a select group of medical professionals and sports scientists to ensure their collective expertise is utilised to address these issues.

"This group will consider the latest medical information and evidence from both in the UK and abroad, particularly around the viability and accessibility of the various Covid-19 tests that are currently available.

"As part of our work to address the broader challenges posed by Covid-19, the EFL will continue to engage in dialogue with the Government, football partners, member clubs and other relevant stakeholders about the evolving situation.

"At this time our operational mitigation and scenario planning is continuing so that when it is appropriate and safe for football to return at EFL Clubs up and down the country, we can make the necessary determinations quickly and with some clarity.

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"This work includes the relevant protocols for playing behind closed doors at all 71 Clubs and access to those matches for our broadcast partners and supporters."

With numerous clubs plunged into financial uncertainty by the lack of games, the EFL has also revealed that talks have taken place regarding potential changes to the game's financial regulations.

However, with differing opinions being heard from across the divisions, a decision on the matter has not yet been reached.

The statement concluded: "In consideration of the current challenges, a variety of proposals and ideas have also been put forward by EFL clubs in relation to operational and financial matters.

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"While these contributions are welcome, it is important to emphasise that there is a range of opinion among our membership and that no decisions have been taken at this stage.

"In addition, the EFL Board is also consulting with member clubs about potential changes to financial regulations with the aim of improving the current position. These discussions follow on from the reviews of divisional cost control measures that were already underway at the start of the outbreak.

"The EFL Board will continue to lead dialogue with members via divisional representatives on all EFL matters to ensure any future decisions are reflective of the collective position and in the interests of the League and football as a whole."

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