Leeds still unsure of travel plans for crunch clash at Cardiff
LEEDS United could be forced to fly down to the Welsh capital on the morning of their midday kick-off against Cardiff City on Sunday week with the waters muddied over hotel accommodation.
It has already been a mammoth task to get the Championship campaign back up and running, but clubs are still facing sizeable logistical issues – including for away games.
Travel and accommodation remain big concerns among many clubs and with the season yet to get back into full swing, there are bound to be teething problems.
Clubs have had to adhere to strict guidelines during their return-totraining protocols, including staggered training times for small groups, undertaking two coronavirus tests per week, constant sanitising of training equipment and prohibiting players from entering buildings.
However, contact training is taking place and Cardiff City even played two, hour-long friendly matches against Cheltenham Town on Tuesday, which they won 3-1 and 2-0, as they ramp up their preparations for the season restart next weekend.
But one big question remains over the aspect of overnight accommodation, which is seen as one of the riskier aspects associated with long-distance away matches.
According to LeedsLive, the EFL has said they will not force Leeds to travel on the morning of their game with the Bluebirds and have told them that hotel accommodation is still a legitimate option.
However, the other option would be for Leeds to come on the day of the game by flying from West Yorkshire to Rhoose and then making the short journey to Cardiff City Stadium.
With players and staff staying away from their homes in lockdown and inside hotels, there was some discussion it may be seen as an unnecessary risk in the wider effort to keep transmission down.
The EFL is advising clubs hotels are permissible, but only for essential use, as in Leeds’ case with a midday kick-off four hours, by road, from Elland Road.
The EFL has warned clubs of the additional risks and advised on full risk assessments at premises before they use them.
While no hotels are open for business in Wales, the Welsh Government has been accommodating with regards to not blocking any pathway for Welsh teams and athletes to return to elite sport.
It is understood there are hotels in Cardiff which have afforded special dispensation from the Senedd regarding hosting elite sports teams and key workers.
Therefore a decision is yet to be made on whether they will book overnight accommodation in Cardiff or fly down from West Yorkshire on the Sunday morning, which LeedsLive say is still very much an option for the current leaders of the Championship.