EFL clubs told 2019/20 season could be completed 'in 56 days'

The Football League season could be wrapped up in 56 days once given the green light to resume, clubs have been told.

In a letter to all EFL clubs, the board outlined their commitment to finishing the season and revealed their estimate that it would take 56 days for all remaining games, including the play-offs.

However, the letter also stated that the ELF expect games to be played behind closed doors and, while they are hopeful that the play-off structure will remain the same, the venue - usual Wembley Stadium - has not been confirmed.

Clubs have also been advised that players should not return to training until May 16 at the earliest and that, in order for annual leave included in contracts to be met, those who have not been furloughed should be instructed to take their break now.

"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," the letter said.

"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."

All 24 of the sides in the Championship have nine matches to play before the play-offs. League One and League Two clubs have between nine-12 games left.

A number of Football League clubs, including Sunderland and Millwall, have already furloughed their playing squads.

The Premier League have advanced £125million of payments to the EFL and National League, though they are being held back from clubs "while additional clarity is sought on other financial matters, particularly in respect to player wages".