EFL reveal coronavirus strategy amid fears Sheffield Wednesday could play behind closed doors

The EFL say they are in talks with the government and keeping clubs like Sheffield Wednesday up to speed over concerns surrounding coronavirus.
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Reports have emerged that the game's governing bodies have held discussions over the prospect of playing games behind closed doors, if mass gatherings at sporting events are limited by the government.

The government are set to lay out their plans to deal with coronavirus today, after Boris Johnson admitted the government are prepared for a ‘significant expansion’ of the illness in the coming weeks.

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Measures to contain or slow down the spread of the virus may extend to the cancellation of public events and possible school closures.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “I feel we want to have the minimal levels of disruption.

"Right now, it's not appropriate to be cancelling matches here like that.

"We have to keep these things under review, but it's something we are reluctant to do.”

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The EFL told our sister title Yorkshire Evening Post that they're in dialogue with the government over the virus.

A spokesperson said: "The EFL remains in close contact with the Government regarding the ongoing concerns posed by the coronavirus.

"We will continue that dialogue, alongside monitoring the advice issued by the relevant authorities, ensuring Clubs are updated with any developments.”

The Times have reported that the FA, Premier League and EFL have already spoken about how to deal with the situation, if measures are taken to limit mass public gatherings, and that they would hope to complete fixtures behind closed doors and still televise them.