EFL chief reveals 'cut off point' for Leeds United season, calls for end to 'evil' parachute payments

Giving evidence this morning to the DCMS committee, Parry suggested the end of player contracts, in a little over 12 weeks' time, is a deadline for completing the season.

But the EFL will only return to action when it is safe for players, he insisted.

"We will return when the government say so - the health of a League Two player is as valuable as a Premier League player," he said.

"We want no strain on NHS and frontline services. I think the government want to work out when it is safe to return to training and then playing.

"Players deals end July 31 and that is the cut off point for us. Within days, we need to be taking decisions and what we need is guidance on returning to play and we need that very, very quickly."

Parry also spoke at length about the financial peril that EFL clubs find themselves in due to a lack of revenue from matchday crowds.

He revealed there will be a combined £200m cash shortfall by the end of September, so financial assistance will be necessary.

But beyond that he wants football's business model to be redefined and called for the cessation of parachute payments, which he described as an 'evil' for the game.

"We need a rescue package," he said.

"We also need to address the longer term or we will back into problems in two or three years, they need to go hand in hand.

"We’re heading for a £200million cash shortfall at the end of September, that is acute. But we need hope, we need a plan and we need clarity on the long term future. We can’t go from one bail out to another, we need to assess root and branch.

"It is not a bailout but we need a reset. Parachute payments are an evil that needs to be eradicated. They give six clubs £40m and the other 18 have £4m each.

"Lower down, solidarity is welcome but becomes worth less and less. Not a bail out but we need a reset, things need restructuring."

While Parry would welcome financial support for the lower leagues from the Premier League, he says there is currently no agreement in place that would mean a return to top flight action would guarantee any money for EFL clubs.

"The Premier League has said that if they are allowed to play, they can then talk to us about support for the lower leagues," he said.

"Discussions to date have been limited I think it is fair to say but we look forward to clarity once more direction on their season.

"I am not sure survival is dependent on Premier League clubs completing the season but if it gives the Premier League clarity to come and talk to us it would be very welcome.

"'As things stand at the moment there is no correlation between the season starting and our clubs surviving.

"The rescue package isn’t in place yet and if restarting the Premier League assists the Premier League, great. But there is nothing in place yet that means money would flow directly from it."