Leeds United could be looking at July return as Whites await fresh news from EFL

Football is currently on hold due to the ongoing global battle against coronavirus with the FA having already indefinitely extended the EFL and Premier League seasons.

Action is currently suspended until at least April 30 but officials realise there is no prospect of play being resumed this month given the current restrictions of social distancing and the forecasts for how long the fight against COVID-19 could last.

UEFA had initially hoped to have all European leagues concluded by June 30 with remaining fixtures played though the Belgian Jupiler Pro League opted to abandon the rest of their season this week and allow current standings to be declared as the final outcome.

Non-league football in England has taken a different approach with all leagues below National League level writing off their seasons and declaring them null and void.

But a letter from UEFA sent to all 55 member associations has asked them to be united in tackling the issue and no association raised the issue of cancelling their seasons during a UEFA meeting on Wednesday.

The letter, which is signed by president Aleksander Ceferin, reads: "It is of paramount importance that even a disruptive event like this epidemic does not prevent our competitions from being decided on the field, in accordance with their rules and that all sporting titles are awarded on the basis of results.

"We are confident that football can restart in the months to come - with conditions that will be dictated by public authorities - and believe that any decision of abandoning domestic competitions is, at this stage, premature and not justified.

"(The working group) is now focusing on scenarios encompassing the months of July and August, including the possibility that the UEFA competitions restart after the completion of domestic leagues.

"A joint management of calendars is strictly required as the conclusion of the current season must be coordinated with the start of a new one, which may be partly impacted because of the overstretch."

The EFL said on Wednesday evening that talks about the resumption of the 2019-20 campaign were continuing in the the next 48 hours, indicating that there could be an update on Friday.

The joint-statement released on Wednesday evening by the EFL, Premier League, FA and LMA read: "Senior representatives from the PFA, Premier League, EFL and LMA met today and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the health and well-being of the nation - including that of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed football must only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"No decisions were taken today with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters, including player wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season."

The FA, Premier League and FA have already stated their preference for the English season to be completed properly on the pitch by fulfilling all fixtures when it is safe to do so.

Deputy chief medical officer for England Dr Jenny Harries admitted on Monday that it could be six months or longer before the country could get back to normal.

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