The EFL CONFIRM Blackpool's game against Swindon Town at Bloomfield Road will be played in front of 1,000 fans

BREAKING: Could Blackpool host test event at Bloomfield Road to allow 1,000 fans to watch weekend game against Swindon Town?

The game is one of 10 picked by the EFL that are permitted to admit spectators as part of the trial to welcome fans back into stadiums.

All competitive games have been played behind closed doors so far this term but clubs have recently been invited to apply to host test events during September with a limited capacity of 1,000.

Blackpool FC, who haven't played in front of their home fans since March 10, confirmed further details will follow as to which supporters will be permitted to attend.

As per the current guidance, crowds will be capped at a capacity of 1,000 as discussions continue with the Government about return for supporters’ in greater numbers post October 1, 2020.

The move to extend the programme follows a successful pilot staged at Cambridge United last week when fans were in attendance at a professional football match for the first time since March.

EFL Chair Rick Parry said: “It’s encouraging that we are in a position to move forward with the next phase of the pilot programme and give a small number of our clubs the opportunity to welcome back up to a 1,000 fans this week.

“The health and well-being of supporters and their wider communities remains the priority, but as we showed at Cambridge, social distancing can be applied safely. By extending across more EFL clubs we hope to further demonstrate that the measures developed can allow fans to return in greater numbers from as early as next month.

“The requirement to welcome spectators back through turnstiles has not diminished in any way, the financial challenges facing EFL clubs have been explained on numerous occasions, they are substantial and a problem that requires immediate solutions."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden added: "I know that many fans are eager to return to football and that jobs depend on this too, so fans will welcome news that the EFL will be running number capped, covid secure, and socially distanced pilots this weekend.

"This will help us build the evidence base to see how we can return fans safely in greater numbers as soon as it is safe to do so."

The 10 games chosen for test event

Championship

Luton Town v Derby County

Norwich City v Preston North End

Middlesbrough v Bournemouth

League One

Charlton Athletic v Doncaster Rovers

Blackpool v Swindon Town

Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town

Hull City v Crewe Alexandra

League Two

Forest Green Rovers v Bradford City

Carlisle United v Southend United

Morecambe v Cambridge United