Black Cats get vital EFL update
DATE SET FOR TRAINING TO RESUME
SUNDERLAND will not return to training until May 25 at the earliest according to a statement released following yesterday’s EFL board meeting.
The EFL has yet to decide whether to cut short the Championship, League One and League Two, seasons due to the Covid-19 pandemic, insisting it ‘will continue to undertake consultation with our members before the next steps are determined.’
And, as such, the EFL has only advised member clubs that players should not return to training until at least May 25 - a week on Monday.
But the statement does say that the EFL is working on a solution to a comprehensive testing regime, both on matchdays and on non-matchdays, which suggests they are not ready to abandon the season just yet.
Although there is a feeling that, while the Championship may continue, Leagues One and Two are less likely to do so due to the fact that seeing out the season behindclosed-doors would not make economic sense for clubs in those divisions.
The full statement read: “The EFL board has met today to further consider the many complex financial and operational matters resulting out of the COVID-19 crisis, including how the 2019/20 campaign is concluded.
“While there is much debate and discussion taking place publicly and privately regarding what should, or could, happen next, the EFL will continue to undertake consultation with our members before the next steps are determined.
“Current attention is clearly on the immediate next steps, but the long-term impact on the League and its clubs remains as stark as previously outlined, and solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the crisis.
“The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors.
“In addition, the EFL is mindful of the pressing need for clarity in a number of areas, including the practicalities and timeframes of clubs being able to facilitate a return to training.
“To address this, clubs have today been issued with the latest draft of the EFL’s ‘Return to Training Protocols,’ so that they can prepare appropriately.
“However, until all outstanding matters are concluded, including finalising a comprehensive testing programme on matchdays and non-matchdays, the EFL board has informed its clubs that a return to training should not take place until May 25 at the earliest.
“Dialogue continues with our colleagues across the footballing and political landscape regarding these and other issues, and the EFL is committed to keeping all relevant parties updated on key decisions and developments as they occur.”