EFL says virus testing key to resuming season
LONDON: The English Football League (EFL) insisted on Saturday that matches cannot resume without “suitable” testing measures for the coronavirus, adding such measures must not jeopardise the safety of front-line workers.
Professional football in England has been suspended since March because of the pandemic. “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 frontline workers, the emergency services, league and club staff members,” the EFL said, responding to reports the Premier League has devised plans for a return to action behind closed doors in June.
The EFL governs the three divisions immediately below English football’s top flight. The statement echoed comments made by the England and Wales Cricket Board about the need for a “significant testing regime” before the English cricket season, whose start has been delayed until July, could get underway. All major sport in Britain is currently at a standstill, with the UK under a nationwide lockdown.
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has said one of the “nicer” consequences of the coronavirus outbreak is that it has temporarily removed the “stress” of West Ham’s fight against Premier League relegation.
The Hammers were above the bottom three on goal difference with nine games to play when the English top flight was suspended last month as a result of the pandemic.
England midfielder Rice said while he was missing being around his team-mates at the east London club there were some benefits from the unexpected break.
“It’s tough because I am used to seeing my team-mates and going out every day, to have that taken away from you is really tough,” he told Sky Sports.
“On a nicer scale of it, it is nice with the position we are in at West Ham, not to feel the pressure of having to go out and play for three points every week.
“It’s nice from that perspective not to have that stress, but we just want to get back to it now,” added the 21-year-old. Friday saw the Netherlands’ Eredivisie become the first top European league to call an end to its 2019/20 season because of the coronavirus.
As a result, there will be no Dutch champions this term after Ajax and AZ Alkmaar were left level on points at the top of the table and no teams will be relegated.
But a similar move in England would likely lead to an outcry given Premier League leaders Liverpool, seeking their first domestic championship in 30 years, lead second-placed Manchester City by the huge margin of 25 points. Meanwhile the likes of Leeds and Fulham are pushing for promotion to the top flight. — AFP