Ashes tour cancelled as RL fights financial battle
AT this moment in time, it can’t be guaranteed.
The EFL clearly stated in their statement on Sunday night that June 20 is very much a provisional date and ‘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.”
AS things stand, Town will still be playing their scheduled home games at the John Smith’s Stadium.
“It remains our intention to play all remaining league matches at clubs’ home grounds as long as they comply with the relevant Government guidance,” a statement from the EFL on Friday read.
Leeds
West Brom Fulham Brentford Nottm Forest Preston Bristol City Millwall Cardiff Blackburn Swansea Derby
QPR
Reading
Sheff Wed Birmingham Stoke
L F A Pts 8 56 30 71 5 64 37 70 9 52 38 64 11 64 33 60 9 48 38 60 13 50 45 56 12 51 53 55 9 44 40 54 9 52 50 54 12 52 45 53 10 46 45 53 12 49 49 51 15 58 62 50 15 46 42 48 15 46 49 48 14 48 57 47 19 49 55 42
14 37 47 41 16 38 50 41 18 49 63 41 18 44 54 39 22 43 71 35 19 42 62 34
“We will only seek to move matches if they are not permitted by the relevant local authority, following any representations from the local police force.”
THERE has been no indication yet on what fixtures will kick-off the restart, however, working on the presumption that the schedule remains the same as when football was shut down on March 13, the following matches would take place on June 20 - Blackburn vs Bristol City, Cardiff vs Leeds United, Fulham vs Brentford,
Town vs Wigan, Hull vs Charlton, Luton Town vs Preston, Middlesbrough vs Swansea, Millwall vs Derby County, QPR vs Barnsley, Reading vs Stoke, Sheffield Wednesday vs Nottingham Fores, West Brom vs Birmingham City
YES. The EFL have confirmed that all matches will be played behind closed doors.
THE EFL remain in talks with Sky Sports regarding the broadcasting of fixtures. The EFL’s iFollow streaming service will also be used to show matches live.
“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,” EFL chair Rick Parry said.
ENGLAND’S three-match Ashes series with Australia has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The games had been due to take place in October and November, with the competition being revived after a 17-year absence. Talks have already begun about a series in 2022, with the World Cup taking place next year.
RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “We make this announcement with great reluctance and disappointment, as we had been looking forward so much to welcoming the Kangaroos - and the prospect of the series had captured the imagination of our players, broadcast and commercial partners, supporters and media alike.
“However the current circumstances have had a seismic impact on rugby league and we now need to find solutions for the greater and longer term good of the game.
“It will have a considerable impact on the finances of rugby league here in England, as we were banking on a significant boost from Australia’s first full tour since 2003.
“But we are all going to have to make sacrifices, and financial adjustments.
“We remain committed to a worthwhile international calendar for our senior England teams to build on the legacy that next year’s World Cup will create and the Ashes would be a fantastic part of any meaningful international calendar in the future.”