Letter outlines latest EFL position over Pompey completing season after clubs raise doubts

And chairman Rick Parry said plans are being put in place to allow the campaign to be played out behind closed doors at the grounds of its 71 members.

The move comes with some concerns being aired at an EFL board meeting over the complexities over seeing out this term amid the coronavirus crisis.

The letter from Parry read: ‘Whilst there is still no further clarity on a return of EFL matches, the objective remains to play the remaining fixtures for the 2019-20 campaign at the current 71 EFL grounds.

‘It is important that any clubs notify the EFL of any issues that may prevent this as soon as possible

‘Some progress has been made in respect of planning how matches may take place, with draft operational plans put before the board at this week's meeting and incorporating many areas such as: stadium preparation, medical provisions, staffing, media access and, of course, measures needed to ensure the safety of all participants including first-team players and staff, match officials, and everyone else associated with the matchday environment.’

A leaked WhatsApp message from Bristol Rovers PFA rep, Alex Rodman, stated 66,000 test kits would be needed to complete the EFL season and highlighted the potential pitfalls of acquiring the kits while the NHS are struggling to do the same.

Parry is confident there will be no conflict there, however, nor to using the ambulance service.

He added: ‘Whatever the outcome, we are confident that, at this time, access will not be an issue and the acquisition of supplies will not be at the expense of the country's frontline staff. That simply is not an option for the EFL to consider.

‘The St John Ambulance service has indicated it would be in a position to work with club medical teams to provide medical cover on matchdays, therefore once again alleviating the concern of increased burden on clubs and frontline services, while the Sports Ground Safety Authority has confirmed that it will assist clubs and local authorities with guidance around the general requirements contained within the Safety Certificate that remain in place and how these may be managed for fixtures behind closed doors.’