The 2019/20 season will be finished 'with or without fans' but Blackpool's remaining games WILL be televised or streamed

Clubs, who are currently on an enforced early break due to the coronavirus outbreak, could return to training on May 16.

The EFL plan to finish the season, including the play-offs, in just 56 days.

But despite a re-start date of June 6 being mooted, the EFL admit there can be no guarantees of when matches will resume.

In an open letter to fans, EFL chairman Rick Parry concedes games will be played behind closed doors - but plans are being worked on to stream or televise fixtures.

He wrote: “When it comes to footballing matters, I understand the desire among fans for definitive answers, particularly around the conclusion of 2019/20 campaign.

“As I am sure you will appreciate, the situation presents significant operational and financial challenges, including the logistics of clubs returning to full operational status, the practicalities of playing football behind closed doors, and the possible knock-on effects for the 2020/21 campaign.

“Please be assured that we are working hard on these and will update you as soon as we can once decisions have been made.

“To give you an honest assessment of the current situation; the point at which you will be able to attend games again remains unclear.

“Please be assured, however, that we are going to welcome you back to stadiums as soon as it is safe to do so.

“Your contribution to the matchday experience and atmospheres created in stadia up and down the country is something we should never take for granted.

“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you today when football will resume, though whenever we do return, matches are likely to be played without crowds.

“And whilst we are unfortunately without the presence of the hundreds of thousands of supporters who pass through EFL turnstiles each week, we will endeavour to bring live football direct into your homes once it returns.

“Plans are continuing to be worked up for all games to be broadcast either via our broadcast partners, iFollow or equivalent club streaming services. We will update you on this once we know when matches will recommence.”

Parry added: “The contribution to football’s finances made by match-going supporters should not be underestimated. It is critical to the business model of league football.

“Perhaps the biggest challenge right now is not knowing when we will be able to reintroduce football in front of crowds.

“We can only hope that the situation develops in such a way that we will be able to do so with the shortest possible break.

“With or without spectators, delivering a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season remains our goal to ensure the integrity of our competitions.

“This, of course, means that a number of factors – including when, where and within what timeframe fixtures will be played – must be given careful consideration in line with Government advice.

“Similar factors must also be taken into account when agreeing an approach towards player training and testing, not least the appropriate level of medical resource and creation of an effective and efficient medical matchday protocol.

“As we’ve previously stated, the health and wellbeing of our clubs, their players and staff, and you – the fans – remains our first priority, and so you can appreciate that we want to give thorough and rigorous thought to these matters.”