EFL and Premier League issue joint statement to stress the rules

Football chiefs say they are confident the 2020-21 campaign will be completed despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

TheFA,PremierLeagueand EFL have issued a joint statement to stress the enhanced measures and protocols in place to ensure elite sport remains able to continue and stress it is the responsibility of everyone to ensure they follow the rules.

They insist the season can be completed despite growing question marks given the high infection and death rates, with the county in another lockdown.

The letter was signed by Mark Bullingham, The FA’s CEO, Richard Masters, PremierLeagueCEOandEFLCEO Trevor Birch.

The joint statement read: "The Football Association, Premier League, EFL and Barclays Women’s Super League have this week introduced enhanced COVID-19 measures and stressed their importance to everyone in the game.

“Safety is a collective effort andfootballrequirestheongoingsupportofclubs,managers, players and all those involved instagingmatchestocontinue to manage the spread of infection and set the right example to the public on and off the pitch. We will offer guidance, education and support as well as reviewing our practices to ensuretheyremainofthehighest standard.

“Our three organisations have confidence in our COVID-19 protocols and our ability tobringtheseasontoasuccessful conclusion.

“Throughoutthiscrisis,the health, safety and well-being ofallparticipantshasbeenour numberonepriorityandbyfollowing the national rules and football’s own strict medical and scientific advice, football has been able to maintain its privileged position and continue to engage and entertain millions of people around the country.

“The game has a responsibility and during this next criticalperioditisdowntoeveryone involved to ensure they follow Government rules and our protocols. We have seen the huge contribution players have made to the national effort and they must continue to use their influence in demonstrating the importance of following the rules.

“With full compliance to ourCOVID-19protocols-alongside effective testing regimes weareconfidentatthehalfway point of the season that, with the support of all, the 2020/21 campaign will continue to its conclusion in May.”