Football League announce fresh date for possible training return for Portsmouth and other clubs

EFL chiefs have tonight announced the measures through a statement, following a board meeting earlier today.

Although the Premier League are pressing ahead with ambitions of resuming football next month, there remain a number of unresolved issues further down the pyramid.

As a consequence, the Football League currently do not believe its 71 members are ready to resume training until May 25 at least.

A statement read: ‘The EFL Board has met today to further consider the many complex financial and operational matters resulting out of the COVID-19 crisis, including how the 2019/20 campaign is concluded.

‘While there is much debate and discussion taking place publicly and privately regarding what should, or could, happen next, the EFL will continue to undertake consultation with our members before the next steps are determined.

‘Current attention is clearly on the immediate next steps, but the long-term impact on the League and its clubs remains as stark as previously outlined, and solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the crisis. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors.

‘In addition, the EFL is mindful of the pressing need for clarity in a number of areas, including the practicalities and timeframes of Clubs being able to facilitate a return to training. To address this, clubs have today been issued with the latest draft of the EFL’s ‘Return to Training Protocols’, so that they can prepare appropriately.

‘However, until all outstanding matters are concluded, including finalising a comprehensive testing programme on matchdays and non-matchdays, the EFL Board has informed its clubs that a return to training should not take place until 25 May at the earliest.

‘Dialogue continues with our colleagues across the footballing and political landscape regarding these and other issues, and the EFL is committed to keeping all relevant parties updated on key decisions and developments as they occur.’

In the meantime, League One chiefs are expected to speak to the EFL on Friday to discuss how the 2019-20 season can resume.

However, Pompey chieif executive Mark Catlin does not expect a resolution until next week at the earliest.