Sport EFL insisting on safe resumption T
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HE EFL has responded to weekend reports that the Government will fasttrack the resumption of Premier League football ahead of its lower league counterparts.
The return of football – played behind closed doors but possibly screened on free-to-air television – is seen as a much-needed morale boost for the country in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
And while other football leagues and sports could also resume under detailed proposals to be discussed by ministers, Public Health England officials and sporting bodies, the priority is to get the Premier League season finished as it would allow the transfer window to open and enable money to trickle down the football pyramid.
However, the EFL believes it’s important to collaborate a return which includes all levels in order for the game to remain aligned and is calling for testing measures to be in place before the game returns.
The EFL’s statement read: “The EFL notes this morning’s (April 25) newspaper reports in respect of the potential resumption of professional football matches in England and Wales and welcomes the current steps being taken by the UK government to establish a group of governing bodies to look at the complex set of challenges facing the wider sporting industry.
“The position of the EFL remains unchanged in that the priority is to resume the 2019/20 season as soon as it is possible, with matches only returning at an appropriate point and based on guidance from the relevant authorities. The health and well-being of the nation has to come first.
“However, it is also our view that a successful return to playing in this country can only come about through a continued collaborative approach with all stakeholders, including the Premier League and Football Association, in order for important issues to be aligned such as, but not limited to, scheduling of fixtures, promotion, relegation and the opening and closing of transfer windows. This work has been ongoing for some time and will continue in the weeks ahead.
“Clearly, before any return to football can take place, suitable testing arrangements for participants must be in place and this is core to our current planning, as is ensuring there is absolutely no negative impact on the country’s front-line workers, the emergency services, League and club staff members.
“The EFL’s medical advisor is working with a select group of medical professionals and sports scientists to ensure their collective expertise is utilised to address these issues.
“This group will consider the latest medical information and evidence from both in the UK and abroad, particularly around the viability and accessibility of the various Covid-19 tests that are currently available.
“As part of our work to address the broader challenges posed by Covid-19, the EFL will continue to engage in dialogue with the government, football partners, member clubs and other relevant stakeholders about the evolving situation.
“At this time, our operational mitigation and scenario planning is continuing so that when it is appropriate and safe for football to return at EFL clubs up and down the country, we can make the necessary determinations quickly and with some clarity.
“This work includes the relevant protocols for playing behind closed doors at all 71 clubs and access to those matches for our broadcast partners and supporters.
“In consideration of the current challenges, a variety of proposals and ideas have also been put forward by EFL clubs in relation to operational and financial matters.
“While these contributions are welcome, it is important to emphasise that there is a range of opinion among our membership and that no decisions have been taken at this stage.
“In addition, the EFL board is also consulting with member clubs about potential changes to financial regulations with the aim of improving the current position.
“These discussions follow on from the reviews of divisional cost control measures that were already underway at the start of the outbreak.
“The EFL board will continue to lead dialogue with members via divisional representatives on all EFL matters to ensure any future decisions are reflective of the collective position and in the interests of the League and football as a whole.”