EFL issue statement as football stadia look set to be full for 2021-22 campaign

The EFL have welcomed the Government’s decision to allow full stadiums again from the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

Prime minister Boris Johnson announced today that the plan was to end most of the coronavirus restrictions from July 19.

The EFL’s statement said: “The EFL welcomes today’s positive announcement by the Prime Minister that capacity restrictions are expected to be lifted later this month, which will allow us to finally press forward with our plans to see a full return of fans to EFL stadiums from the start of the new EFL season in just four weeks time.

“Football has been planning for this outcome since the outset of the pandemic and having been forced to endure empty stadiums since March 2020, the message from EFL clubs is that we are ready to re-open and welcome fans back in numbers.

“From the EFL’s own participation in the Events Research Programme and our clubs extensive experience built up over many years, we are confident that all of our clubs can successfully manage large scale events and we will continue to work with the Government on the guidance that will help support their matchday operations.

“Today’s developments, of course, have been made possible by the staff at the NHS and countless medical experts and scientists who have helped to develop and roll-out the vaccines.

“On behalf of the league and it’s membership, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for playing such an important role in helping re-open our sport and wider society.”