Although there have been a number of postponements to have already been happening, the EFL (English Football League) have revealed that they remain confident that they are able to cope with the unprecedented amount.
Of course, the coronavirus has been the main reason for the postponements to have happened, with at least six clubs across the Championship, League One and League Two having suffered from a number of outbreaks, therefore requiring to have a number of their festive fixtures requiring to be called off.
Sunderland are one such side to have had an issue with Covid-19, as manager Lee Johnson revealed that 13 of his Black Cats squad had tested positive for the virus ahead of their scheduled match against Accrington Stanley – which has now been postponed.
Rochdale have also had two of their League One matches postponed, with their games against Crewe Alexandra and Milton Keynes Dons having been suspended due to the outbreak. The club informed the EFL that they can not fulfil the games due to “players and first-team staff [being] required to self-isolate in line with EFL and Government guidance.”
Morecombe are another side to have been impacted recently, as they have had their next two League Two fixtures be postponed to a later date.
This means that there are a total of 15 matches to have been postponed following Christmas across the three Football League divisions. However, the EFL remain confident that they can handle the issue for the time being. All of these postponements could have an impact on those using the betting24.se portal.
Although the league’s scheduling does allow for a number of postponements to be made throughout the year – and still with plenty of flexibility available for fixtures to be re-arranged, there are doubts that they will be able to continue to do so.
Considering that the English weather is likely to turn for the worse in the next few months, the league’s calendar may struggle to cope with any further postponements.
Although there have been a number of coronavirus issues to have impacted the leagues, the EFL have admitted that they have not planned to introduce more regularly mandatory testing.
At the moment, a test is only required if a player develops symptoms, returns from an international break, or spends a long period away from the training ground.
The EFL has recently written to clubs asking them to ensure they are redoubling their efforts to fulfil the Covid protocols. Clubs have been told to minimise the time that playing and non-playing staff spend indoors – which includes the use of gyms, changing and catering facilities.
