League to return without the fans
ROCHDALE supporters are unlikely to be able to cheer on their team from the terraces when the Sky Bet League One season resumes.
But there are plans afoot to screen games live so that fans do not miss out altogether.
Football bosses have been discussing exactly how the campaign can resume safely once coronavirus lockdown restrictions start to lift.
EFL fixtures are set to be broadcast online or on television after EFL chairman Rick Parry said it is ‘likely’ football would resume behind closed doors.
Parry issued an open letter to all supporters of clubs within the Championship, League One and League Two in the midst of the coronavirus crisis.
In the letter, he stated that the priority is to finish the 2019/20 season ‘with or without fans’ and that there are plans to end the Saturday 3pm television blackout by broadcasting all remaining games.
The letter read: “The COVID-19 pandemic has, quite clearly, brought about challenges which extend beyond the game we all love, and led to an unprecedented and testing situation for everyone.
“In these circumstances, open and honest communication is more important than ever, and it is with this in mind that I am writing directly to supporters of every EFL Club today on the 132nd anniversary of the foundation of the Football League.
“It is often said that football is like a family, and we have seen that many of those undertaking vital work are fans of EFL Clubs. From Bristol to Bolton and Colchester to Carlisle, supporters across the country are among the heroes making a positive impact, and it has been heartening to see and hear the stories of people coming together at such a to be crucial time. crowds.
“Our Clubs are also rising “And whilst we are to the challenge and unfortunately without the are carrying out important presence of the hundreds work in their local of thousands of supporters communities. We know who pass through EFL that eight in 10 people in turnstiles each week, we England and Wales live will endeavour to bring within a 15-mile radius of live football direct into an EFL club, so whether your homes once it it’s offering practical, returns. Plans are continuing emotional or physical to be worked up for support, the help football all games to be broadcast clubs are providing should either via our broadcast not be underestimated. partners, iFollow or equivalent
“It is, of course, by continuing Club streaming services. to adhere to Government We will update you guidelines that on this once we know we can all play our part in when matches will recommence. the national effort against coronavirus and so I’d “The contribution to also like to take this football’s finances made opportunity to urge you by match-going supporters all to stay at home. In should not be underestimated. doing so, you will save It is critical to lives. the business model of
“When it comes to footballing league football. Perhaps matters, I understand the biggest challenge right the desire among now is not knowing when fans for definitive answers, we will be able to reintroduce particularly around the football in front of conclusion of 2019/20 crowds. We can only hope campaign. As I am sure that the situation develops you will appreciate, the in such a way that we situation presents significant will be able to do with the operational and shortest possible break. financial challenges, “With or without spectators, including the logistics of delivering a successful Clubs returning to full conclusion to the operational status, the 2019/20 season remains practicalities of playing our goal to ensure the football behind closed integrity of our competitions. doors, and the possible This, of course, knock-on effects for the means that a number of 2020/21 campaign. Please factors – including when, be assured that we are where and within what working hard on these timeframe fixtures will be and will update you as played – must be given soon as we can once decisions careful consideration in have been made. line with Government have committed to regular while facing a sudden loss health – as well as that of
“To give you an honest advice. Similar factors dialogue with each of of income. With this in the entire nation - in assessment of the current must also be taken into these groups, as well as mind, I’m sure you will be mind. situation; the point at account when agreeing an the Government, in order aware of talk about wages “I thank you for your which you will be able to approach towards player to tackle the challenges and deferrals. Good progress patience so far and ask for attend games again training and testing, not we face as effectively as is being made in more of the same; this is a remains unclear. Please least the appropriate level possible. As well as taking these areas, with a view to serious situation which is be assured, however, that of medical resource and into account the current this assisting in delivering changing by the day, and we are going to welcome creation of an effective climate in terms of public medium to long-term one which requires you back to stadiums as and efficient medical opinion, including those solutions that protect our informed and considered soon as it is safe to do so. matchday protocol. views of fans, we are regularly game for years to come. decisions. The next few Your contribution to the “As we’ve previously taking ideas and suggestions “As I said when I arrived, weeks will bring more matchday experience and stated, the health and from our Clubs. the EFL and its Clubs matter clarity when it comes to atmospheres created in wellbeing of our Clubs, “Aside from two catastrophic to many people, but our operational plans stadia up and down the their players and staff, and World Wars, this most of all to the supporters. and, as always, we’ll look country is something we you – the fans – remains pandemic is arguably the It is natural, at this to maintain regular communication. should never take for our first priority, and so most challenging issue to stage, that you will have granted. Unfortunately, I you can appreciate that have affected football many questions, and we “One thing we can be cannot tell you today we want to give thorough since the League was will endeavour to continue sure of is that football, and when football will resume, and rigorous thought to founded 132 years ago. to provide answers normality, will return, and though whenever we do these matters. Our Clubs have been left and solutions, but we will so do more quickly if return, matches are likely “From the outset, we with significant outgoings must do so with your we remain united.”
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