Could National League follow EFL's radical new plan to finish 2019/20 season in just 56 days?

The EFL have told clubs that the 2019/20 season could be completed in just 56 days – with games set to go behind closed doors.
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EFL chairman Rick Parry has revealed his plan in a letter to all Championship clubs.

That timeframe – which equates to just eight weeks – would see all remaining Championship fixtures, plus the play-offs, completed.

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The EFL have also told all clubs NOT to return to training until May 16 at the earliest – but have pledged to give sides adequate time to prepare for the resumption of the campaign.

The National League season is suspended indefinitely and it is believed the competition has been waiting to see what the EFL does before deciding how the fifth tier campaign should be concluded.

If the EFL go ahead with the plan then the National League may follow suit. However, playing games behind closed doors would not help clubs’ matchday revenues.

In the letter, Parry writes: “We currently estimate that the league will require approximately 56 days to complete the outstanding matches in the season (including play-offs) and we are committed to ensuring that clubs are provided an appropriate notice period to ensure you are able to prepare operationally given the scale and impact of the postponement in place.

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“The EFL board is currently working on the basis that end-of-season play-offs will take place across all three divisions as normal with two-legged semi-finals and a final, although no decision has been taken on the likely venue as it will depend on the circumstances at play at the time.”

The National League season has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.The National League season has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The National League season has been suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is our working assumption at this stage that matches will be played behind closed doors when we eventually return and as part of our contingency planning we are absolutely mindful of the need to try and mitigate the cost of this to clubs as best we can.”

He added: “Clubs should be advised not to recommence any training activity with players until 16 May at the earliest.

“How and when we return (including training) is clearly subject to change and any decisions will be taken in conjunction with the Government and relevant health authorities.”