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EFL chairman Rick Parry might now see his plan for the matches to be squeezed into 56 days squeezed further
TRAIN DELAY

EFL tell Championship clubs to hold fire and SCRAP plans to return to training on Monday

EFL chiefs have shocked Championship clubs by ordering them to SCRAP plans to restart training on Monday.

Last night football chiefs announced a one-week delay until May 25.

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 EFL chairman Rick Parry might now see his plan for the matches to be squeezed into 56 days squeezed further
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EFL chairman Rick Parry might now see his plan for the matches to be squeezed into 56 days squeezed furtherCredit: PA:Press Association
 Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has guided the leaders one point clear of WBA - but must wait longer to see if Championship action will resume
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Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has guided the leaders one point clear of WBA - but must wait longer to see if Championship action will resumeCredit: Getty Images - Getty

But this means the Championship could still return on June 12 — which would be a week before the Premier League is now likely to be back.

The news was a surprise to teams who were planning to get players ready for action early next month.

One EFL club official said: “We have the full details of the medical requirements now and we can still end the season by July 31.”

EFL chairman Rick Parry proposed to push through all the games in 56 days but that may now have to be shortened.

A League statement said: “Clubs have been issued with the latest draft of the EFL’s ‘Return to Training Protocols’.

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

The League know that going into August raises major issues with contract extensions and loan deals.

League One and Two clubs are still waiting on word about a vote on how to end their seasons.

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That is being delayed by the Premier League’s failure to sort out relegation.

Many of the strugglers have NO plans to return to training — with some telling out-of-contract players they will be released.

And those with furloughed players will not ask their squads to train, as it would mean paying them.

 

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