No change in EFL’s stance on Wembley Trophy final

POMPEY EFL Trophy final appearance remains pencilled in for this season.

However, the Football League insist the Wembley occasion will not take place until supporters are allowed back into football.

Holders Pompey were scheduled to meet Salford in the Leasing.com Trophy final at the start of April.

That fixture was subsequently postponed following the coronavirus outbreak – with a new date still to be announced.

The Football League have now released a statement reiterating their commitment to holding the final.

Yet with a desire to stage the Wembley fixture in front of supporters, they remain bound by government guidelines.

An EFL spokesman said: ‘Discussions remain ongoing with both Portsmouth and Salford City in respect of the 2020 EFL Trophy Final, postponed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

‘Despite the various logistical and operational challenges, it remains the objective of the league to find a suitable solution that will allow us to stage the final with as many supporters in attendance as possible as long it is safe to do so.

‘Until we receive further clarity on how we can achieve this alongside the views of both clubs, the game remains postponed and we will advise of any further developments as soon as they are available.’

Pompey’s 2020-21 EFL Trophy campaign kicks off on September 8 with a Fratton Park match against Colchester United.

Football is hopeful a proportion of supporters can begin to be re-introduced to grounds from October 1.

Fans have been allowed to watch matches at clubs who play below the seventh tier, although attendances have been restricted.