No movement on date for Papa John’s Trophy final
Sunderland’s Papa John’s Trophy final with Tranmere Rovers will not be pushed back.
The League Two side had made a request to the EFL to delay the game from its original March 14 date in order to try and accommodate fans.
Under the government’s proposed roadmap out of lockdown, a limited number of fans could be admitted to sporting events from late May. And Tranmere were keen to explore the possibility of allowing supporters into the final at Wembley were it able to be pushed back.
Vice chair Nicola Palios confirmed the club had made a formal request to the EFL earlier this week, as she tweeted: “Would be fantastic if the Papa John’s Trophy final could be pushed back to allow fans in too ... we asked informally last week and have formalised the request today. Govt are saying 10,000 allowed in Wembley from May 17.”
But while it is understood that discussions did take place over whether the final could be delayed, it has been determined that it will take place on its original date.
That means the Black Cats will head to the capital as planned on Sunday, March 14 for a 3pm kick-off at Wembley.
Sunderland look set to see no fans in their League One fixtures for the remainder of the regular campaign, which is scheduled to finish at home to Northampton Town on May 8.
Dates for play-off semi final fixtures have yet to be confirmed but the final is scheduled for Wembley on the bank holiday weekend of May 29-31 – meaning fans could potentially attend.
All lockdown rules are currently scheduled to be reviewed from June 21.