EFL will have to return behind closed doors to survive, warns chair Rick Parry | Football

Rick Parry, the EFL chair, has warned football will have to return behind closed doors to survive its biggest challenge outside of two world wars.

In an open letter, Parry told supporters that progress has been made on player wage cuts and deferrals, and the EFL’s intention remains to complete the 2019-20 season.

To do so, however, matches will almost certainly be played without crowds due to the coronavirus pandemic, although plans are underway to broadcast all games live.

“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds,” Parry wrote in an open letter to mark the 132nd anniversary of the Football League’s foundation.

“While we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns,” he added.

“Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our partners iFollow, or equivalent club streaming services. We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.”

“With or without spectators, delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019-20 season remains our goal to ensure the integrity of our competitions,” Parry continued. “This, of course, means that a number of factors – including when, where and within what time frame fixtures will be played – must be given careful consideration in line with government advice.

“Similar factors must also be taken into account when agreeing an approach towards player training and testing, not least the appropriate level of medical resource and creation of an effective and efficient medical matchday protocol.”

Clubs throughout the EFL are facing serious financial problems as a consequence of the crisis. Five weeks on from the suspension of the football calendar, there is still no agreement between clubs and players on wage cuts or deferrals, but Parry indicated that a deal is close.

“Aside from two catastrophic world wars, this pandemic is arguably the most challenging issue to have affected football since the League was founded 132 years ago,” the EFL chair said. “Our clubs have been left with significant outgoings while facing a sudden loss of income.

“With this in mind, I’m sure you will be aware of talk about wages and deferrals. Good progress is being made in these areas, with a view to this assisting in delivering medium to long-term solutions that protect our game for years to come.”