Play-off clubs only ones to get virus tests

PLAYERS from four League One clubs have undergone Covid-19 testing – with the EFL seemingly taking it as read that its proposals will be approved at today’s extraordinary general meeting.

Oxford United and Fleetwood returned to training yesterday, with Portsmouth planning to do the same within a matter of days, and Wycombe Wanderers also preparing to resume training.

Players from all four have undergone testing to clear the way for them to get back on the training ground, however it is understood that Sunderland, along with every other club in the division were not offered the chance to have tests.

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony confirmed that it was not an option offered to his team.

The fact that Oxford, Fleetwood, Portsmouth, and Wycombe have had tests indicates that the EFL is confident that its proposed rule changes will be passed by the 71 member clubs at the EGM.

League One is split over whether to play on or curtail the season but it is increasingly likely that clubs will eventually vote to end the season immediately, in which case Oxford, Fleetwood, Portsmouth, and Wycombe would be the sides involved in the play-offs.

To make that assumption at this stage and offer testing only to those clubs, before any votes, will be seen as presumptuous.

Tranmere Rovers, for example, have put forward an alternative proposal to that offered by the EFL board.

Rovers’ vice-chair Nicola Palios last night tweeted: “How can clubs have a fair vote on Tuesday re our proposals when the EFL have only done Covid testing for clubs who would be in the playoffs under their proposal and not ours?

“And have struck the deal for TV assuming theirs will go through? This is NOT a fair process.”