Approval For Up To 1,000 Spectators To Return For EFL Games This Weekend!

Permission confirmed for EFL clubs to allow up to 1,000 fans for pilot event matches this weekend with clubs asked to put in requests by today in order for plans to be signed off in time.

Clubs in local lockdown areas were told they would not receive permission to take part in the test events.

Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, is to meet with sporting bodies later this week to continue discussions around the planned return of spectators to sport from October 1st.

An EFL spokesman said: "The EFL remains in discussions with the government about the pilot programme which may include a limited number of further pilot matches during September with capacity limited to 1,000. The league is clear in its view that social distancing can be applied safely in football stadia and that having crowds at matches is an absolutely essential part of helping to protect club finances, which remain under extreme pressure. Therefore, the successful delivery of further pilots will be an important step towards getting larger number of fans into grounds safely. The EFL will continue its dialogue with DCMS and the SGSA to ensure that evidence and insight secured from these events helps to inform the government's position on welcoming back supporters post October 1st."