Games likely to be behind closed doors but will be streamed live when football resumes

English Football League chairman Rick Parry has admitted it 'remains unclear' when supporters may be able to watch games again.
EFL chairman Rick ParryEFL chairman Rick Parry
EFL chairman Rick Parry

The EFL, along with the rest of the professional game in England, remains indefinitely suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Parry suggested to clubs last week that they should stand players down and prepare for a return to training no earlier than May 16, with the lockdown in the United Kingdom now extended until May 7 at the earliest.

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Parry told clubs the "working assumption" was that games would be played behind closed doors initially, and in an open letter to supporters on Friday said that he could not commit to a point in time when they might be allowed to watch their teams in person again.

"To give you an honest assessment of the current situation; the point at which you will be able to attend games again remains unclear," he said.

"Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so."

Parry did promise supporters that plans were being worked on to make all EFL matches available to view from home once it was safe for action to resume.

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"Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent club streaming services," he said.

"We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence."

Parry also stressed the importance of match-going supporters to the financial health of EFL clubs, who are having to make cost-cutting measures due to the loss of matchday revenue.

"The contribution to football's finances made by match-going supporters should not be underestimated," he said.

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"It is critical to the business model of league football. Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is not knowing when we will be able to reintroduce football in front of crowds.

"We can only hope that the situation develops in such a way that we will be able to do that with the shortest possible break."