Games being shortened not on the agenda – RP
Sunderland fixtures look set to be played in their entirety when football resumes – despite claims that the traditional 90-minute match could be shortened.
PFA chief Gordon Taylor suggested yesterday that talks had been held over whether games could be shortened when football returned – but this is not on the agenda for the EFL at the moment, according to chair Rick Parry.
And while Parry confirmed he wouldn’t rule out any initial ‘creative ideas’, he confirmed this was not one that was actively being pursued.
“There haven’t been any discussions about it,” he said.
“There have been discussions with the FA and FIFA about increasing the number of substitutes allowed to five.
“The aim could only be to reduce the strain on the players who will be coming back after a fairly long period away.”
The EFL are also planning to play all remaining fixtures on the grounds of all 71 members of their leagues, despite claims that central hubs could be formed.
“We’re modelling many scenarios,” said Parry.
“Our preference would be to play on all the 71 grounds.
“We’re not sure that there is an overwhelming argument, particularly if we go down our divisions, that the probability of fans congregating is a major one.
“What we’re not going to do is take any decisions that place any strain on the emergency services.”
The Premier League have reportedly been offered the chance to finish their campaign in Australia.