EFL make decision on Portsmouth v Salford and Tranmere v Sunderland Papa John's Trophy finals

Meanwhile, the Football League has confirmed that the Tranmere v Sunderland finale – scheduled to take place just 24 hours later at the home of football – will also take place as previously scheduled.

That’s despite a formal request made by League Two Rovers to play their game against the Black Cats at a later date.

Tranmere vice-chair Nicola Palios contacted the EFL following details announced on Monday of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

In a statement to the House of Common, Prime Minister Boris Johnson identified May 17 as the date in which spectators would be allowed back into stadia, albeit at reduced capacities.

That’s two months after the ‘EFL Weekender’ which will be played behind closed doors as football continues to be affected by Covid-19.

A league spokesperson confirmed discussions took place with all clubs involved in the double-header following the request made by Tranmere.

Those talks included ‘splitting the two finals, changing the future fixture schedule, or moving the fixture(s) away from Wembley’.

However, with the government’s proposals for the easing of lockdown viewed by some as guidelines rather than firm guarantees, the decision was taken retain the weekend of March 13/14 for both games to be played.

Logistical, financial and operation challenges also meant the request was not viable.

A statement from the EFL read: ‘After full and comprehensive consultation with all relevant stakeholders, including the three other clubs involved in the Wembley Weekender fixtures, it has been determined that the Papa John’s Trophy Final fixture(s) will remain as scheduled.

‘Detailed discussions took place on a number of potential alternatives, including splitting the two finals, changing the future fixture schedule, or moving the fixture(s) away from Wembley Stadium.

‘However, the logistical, operational and financial challenges meant that on balance those were not viable solutions.

‘As has been the case since the outset of the pandemic, it remains disappointing for fans of all EFL clubs who are unable to go and watch their team play at present and, of course that includes those whose club has secured a place in the first domestic finals of the season next month.

‘Alongside other leagues and sports we are working to ensure that we can start to see fans back through the turnstiles at the earliest possible opportunity and through our clubs we will continue to liaise with the Government, SGSA and relevant local authorities.

‘Where the EFL and its clubs can support the roadmap for a swift and safe return, we will.’

The winners of the Pompey v Salford final will be crowned the 2020 Papa John’s Trophy winners.

The Blues had sold more than 50,000 tickets for the original game.

The club announced last week that refunds had now been processed for postponed match.