EFL Expected Announce the Fate of 2019/20 Campaign Within the Next Few Days EFL Expected Announce the Fate of 2019/20 Campaign Within the Next Few Days

EFL Expected Announce the Fate of 2019/20 Campaign Within the Next Few Days

Clubs, players and officials within the EFL will have to decide “within days” if they can complete 2019/20 campaign, as time continues to shorten their list of options.
Chairman Rick Parry has already identified Friday, 31st July as the final day matches can be played, and, as the League appears to be working on a fifty-six day plan, they must start no later than Friday, 5th June.

Howerver, to further complicate matters, some players and coaches, including Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber, are currently isolating abroad, and will have to adhere to their host countries lock-down rules, meaning many may be unable to return to the UK for several months.

Speaking to a House of Commons select committee on Tuesday, chairman Parry said; "We want to resume for sporting integrity when it is safe. We want no strain on NHS and front-line services.

"I think the Government want to work out when it is safe to return to training and then playing. We have 1,400 players coming out of contract at the end of June. That is a train coming down the tunnel very quickly.

"July 31st is the cut-off point for us. Within days, we need to be taking decisions and what we need is guidance on returning to play very, very quickly. We can’t go beyond July.

"Players and staff have been furloughed and to expect clubs to bring them back in now, to forgo the furlough, only to then find in a month they can’t play would be a complete mess."

Although players' contracts typically run until midnight on 30th June those who fail to secure a new club within the first month after being released typically receive severance pay, leading some to believe they could be convinced to play on into July.

With several obstacles yet to be overcome it remains to be seen whether the EFL and officials from the PFA, FA and other groups will ultimately come to terms on a return to action, with some believing the season will eventually be declared null and void.
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