EFL call for 'cool heads' after suspension as Leeds United wait next move in Premier League chase

Leeds United are currently scheduled to return to action on April 3
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The EFL have called for cool heads amid intense speculation over how the current campaign may conclude following the coronavirus outbreak.

Leeds United have seen their chase for Premier League football put on hold during the current global health crisis with nine matches of the season remaining.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The EFL and Premier League announced an immediate three week suspension until April 3 last Friday after a number of cases were diagnosed within the game.

Leeds United legend Billy Bremner's statue. (Image: JPIMedia)Leeds United legend Billy Bremner's statue. (Image: JPIMedia)
Leeds United legend Billy Bremner's statue. (Image: JPIMedia)

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi tested positive for the virus while the Everton squad were put into self-isolation late last week.

A number of other teams across the country have also taken precautionary steps in a bid to battle the current outbreak.

UEFA have called an emergency meeting for Tuesday in which they will discuss all possibilities with footballing bodies across Europe after the game grinded to a halt amid the pandemic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The EFL, though, have now moved to dismiss any current speculation and have called for calm with talks scheduled for later this week.

A statement read: "The health and well-being of EFL staff, players, Club employees and supporters is of paramount importance and will be key to the decisions made by football during what is clearly an unprecedented situation facing our game.

"It is with that in the forefront of the League’s mind that it notes the intense speculation that has appeared across the local, national and international media over the weekend.

"Whilst the League and its Board understand there is a strong desire from both the media and general public to understand what may happen next, there have, at this current time, been no decisions taken.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The League also feels it inappropriate to respond to the many hypothetical solutions being suggested whilst the many unknowns remain. Given the fast paced environment and parameters we are currently working within, it is simply not practical to give a running commentary on what may happen.

"In the immediate short term we will continue with our contingency planning to deal with the implications the outbreak of Covid-19 has presented the EFL and its Clubs, in addition to liaising with the Government, health authorities and football partners.

"A further update will be given once the EFL Board has met this week.

"In the meantime, we wish the football and wider community well and urge all to follow the guidance from the Government provided by Public Health England if presented with any symptoms.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"EFL Chair, Rick Parry, said: 'These are indeed challenging times for the League, its Clubs and the game as a whole. However, now is the time for cool heads and calm reflection, rather than speculation as we look to steer our competitions and Clubs through this period of uncertainty.'

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.