No festive break for Wearsiders as EFL say games can continue

SUNDERLAND’S Carabao Cup tie at Arsenal tonight and their League One fixtures over the Christmas period are set to go ahead as planned after the EFL confirmed its programme of matches will continue.

Rising numbers of Covid cases within clubs had led to calls for football to take a break but both the Premier League and now the EFL have said the season will carry on as planned.

Many clubs have already announced postponements due to Covid outbreaks and the EFL says the schedule will only continue ‘where it is safe to do so’ and where ‘the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs.’

Sunderland yesterday revealed they have had a positive Covid test within their squad but said it was limited to one person with no close contacts affected.

It means their cup quarter-final at Arsenal will go ahead and as things stand their league games at Doncaster Rovers next Monday and the home games against Sheffield Wednesday on December 30 and

Fleetwood Town on January 2 are also on.

An EFL statement said: ‘The EFL can confirm its programme of games in the league and Carabao Cup will continue with fixtures to be played where it is safe to do so and the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs.

“While the league acknowledges there will likely be future postponements to navigate where Covid-19 cases are identified, there is optimism disruption can be minimised following implementation of Red protocols, a daily testing regime and the ongoing vaccination rollout.’

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch added: “Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so.

“We will continue to work with clubs, authorities and other agencies to monitor the Covid-19 case rate but for now the view remains we can continue to deliver games safely.”