EFL's frustration at the decision to halt the return of supporters

EFL chairman Rick Parry has outlined the organisation’s frustration at the decision to delay supporters’ return to matches.
EFL chairman Rick Parry   Picture: Getty ImagesEFL chairman Rick Parry   Picture: Getty Images
EFL chairman Rick Parry Picture: Getty Images

Seven clubs hosted trial events last week, accommodating a maximum of 1,000 socially-distanced spectators, ahead of a scheduled return from the start of October.

However, a spike in Covid-19 cases has now led to new government restrictions being put in place.

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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.

“Over many months we have helped the government devise, refine and pilot stringent stadium protocols designed to keep supporters safe,” he 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.

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“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.”

Morecambe had been named last week as another club scheduled to host a test event game last weekend, only for the Shrimps to say that wouldn’t be the case within hours of the announcement.

Despite last weekend’s successful pilot events, all future ones have now been cancelled and Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned the measures introduced on Tuesday could last for six months.

Parry added: “With extended measures introduced, it is imperative that the financial issues facing our clubs are addressed quickly.

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“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.

“We remain optimistic that a solution will be found but we should also be very clear that if it is not, then the outlook for many clubs in the period ahead will be very challenging.”