The English Football League (EFL) has today (Wednesday) announced that 10 clubs will be permitted to admit spectators this weekend as part of the ongoing ‘return of fans’ pilot programme, but Championship team Luton Town has already stated it won’t participate due to lack of preparation time.
As per the current guidance, crowds will be capped at a capacity of 1,000 as discussions continue with the UK Government about return for supporters’ in greater numbers post October 1. The move to extend the programme follows a successful pilot staged by League Two team Cambridge United last week when fans were in attendance at a professional football match for the first time since March.
The EFL has announced 10 confirmed games for the weekend of September 19-20 as follows:
Championship
Luton Town v Derby County
Middlesbrough v AFC Bournemouth
Norwich City v Preston North End
League One
Blackpool v Swindon Town
Charlton Athletic v Doncaster Rovers
Hull City v Crewe Alexandra
Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town
League Two
Carlisle United v Southend United
Forest Green Rovers v Bradford City
Morecambe v Cambridge United
However, Luton has already announced that it will not take part, criticising the EFL’s communication in making today’s statement.
Norwich City and Forest Green Rovers have confirmed that 1,000 season ticket holders will be able to attend, as well as Carlisle United who announced it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more on this, head over to our sister site TheStadiumBusiness.
Image: Luton Town