EFL chairman Rick Parry says his organisation is “deeply frustrated” by the decision to delay the return of spectators to sports venues, and has called for clarity on the matter from the Government.
The 72 clubs in the EFL had been hoping to welcome fans back on a socially-distanced basis from the start of next month, but those plans have been scrapped after the Government imposed new restrictions following a rise in coronavirus infections nationwide.
The league has warned its clubs will collectively lose £200million in matchday revenue and other associated benefits if the whole 2020-21 season has to be played behind closed doors.
Talks remain ongoing between the EFL and the Premier League over financial support, and Parry said on Wednesday he remained “optimistic” of finding a solution.
But the news was clearly a huge setback for the competition.
“Over many months we have helped the Government devise, refine and pilot stringent stadium protocols designed to keep supporters safe,” Parry said.
“Staging professional football matches is one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management and any supporters attending EFL fixtures, in vastly reduced numbers, would have been required to adhere to social distancing and the rule of six.
“Therefore we are deeply frustrated that we will not be able to continue this work and, in doing so, gather the evidence to show that crowds can return safely to football and become an important financial lifeline for our clubs.
“Therefore, as a matter of urgency, we now need to understand what the Government’s roadmap is for getting supporters back into stadiums as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.”
The EFL had successfully staged seven pilot events – each with 1,000 spectators in attendance – last weekend.
But all future pilots have been cancelled too and Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the measures introduced on Tuesday could last for six months.
The impact of that would be devastating across all sports, although it is understood the Government believes the Premier League should be the ones to assist the EFL.
Parry added: “With extended measures introduced, it is imperative that the financial issues facing our Clubs are addressed quickly.
“EFL clubs lost £50m last season as a result of playing matches behind closed doors or curtailing the season and stand to lose a further £200m in 2020/21 should we be required to play the whole season without supporters in grounds.
“I am encouraged that the Government has recognised the need for urgent financial assistance for sport and discussions will continue with DCMS and the Premier League.
And Rugby Football League chief executive Ralph Rimmer said it was likely that “with losses at up to £2million a week, and continued uncertainty, there will be job losses” across rugby league.
League One Plymouth confirmed one player and a non-playing member of staff had tested positive.
Argyle opted to conduct the tests following the outbreak at Leyton Orient, who the Pilgrims played in the Carabao Cup last week.
Their League One fixture against Shrewsbury on Saturday will go ahead as scheduled.
Meanwhile, golf’s Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open will now take place behind closed doors because of tighter restrictions.
A European Tour statement said: “A robust and thorough plan had been put in place, in close collaboration with the Scottish Government, to welcome a limited number of spectators over the weekend at the Renaissance Club as part of a series of pilot sporting and cultural events being considered in Scotland to help support the return of the public.
“However, in line with the consistent approach now being taken in Scotland and across the UK to pause pilot events, the tournament will now return to a closed-door model and all ticket holders have been contacted separately with details of the refund process.”
