CHAMPIONSHIP SIDES SET TO RETURN TO ACTION
CHAMPIONSHIP SIDES SET TO FOLLOW PREMIER LEAGUE SIDES IN RESUMPTION
BRENTFORD, QPR and Fulham are getting set for the re-start of the Championship after the EFL agreed a provisional date of June 20.
With Chelsea set to resume their games too, as the Premier League kicks off three days earlier on June 17, it is a busy time for west London’s clubs as they ramp up their training.
Saturday’s announcement by the government allowed elite sporting events to return behind closed doors. The date is subject to the strict proviso that all safety requirements and government guidance is met and that clubs receive clearance from their local authorities in order to stage matches at their home grounds.
After discussing various approaches and the importance of completing the season in a similar timeline to that of the Premier League, to avoid any potential issues with promoted and relegated clubs, the Championship season is set to conclude with the play-off final on or around July 30.
Final details are still to be confirmed following further discussions with the League’s broadcast partner, Sky Sports.
During the weekend’s discussions, it was further agreed to consider changing regulations to permit the use of five substitutes in the remaining fixtures and also increasing the matchday squad from 18 to 20 players. Discussions will continue with Championship clubs in this respect.
The fixture schedule, broadcast selections and details on iFollow/ streaming services will follow in due course.
EFL chairman Rick Parry said: “With Championship clubs set to return to full contact training and following Saturday’s government announcement, we are edging closer towards resuming the 2019/20 EFL season. Whilst matches will unfortunately have to take place without supporters, we are working with our broadcast partners, EFL Championship clubs and all relevant stakeholders to broadcast the remaining 108 games, plus Sky Bet Championship play-offs, either live on Sky Sports, iFollow or a club’s equivalent streaming service.
“We must stress that at this stage the date is only provisional and will only be confirmed once we have met all the requirements, as the health, safety and well-being of all participants, staff and supporters remains our top priority.
“Clearly completing the season in a safe manner is going to require a significant effort by all concerned and, whilst not unprecedented, it will need clubs to play a significant number of matches over a relatively short period of time.”