EFL season to continue as planned despite FIVE League Two Boxing Day matches already postponed

The EFL schedule will continue as normal despite another spate of matches falling foul of soaring COVID cases.

Twenty-five EFL and Premier League fixtures were postponed over the weekend and another seven have already been called off ahead of Boxing Day.

Northampton's meeting with Walsall is one of five to go in League Two. Bristol Rovers v Sutton, Swindon Town v Exeter City, Bradford v Harrogate and Newport v Forest Green will not go ahead.

Nonetheless, the EFL plans to play matches where possible following a meeting earlier on Monday.

"The EFL can confirm that its programme of games in the league and Carabao Cup will continue with fixtures to be played where it is safe to do so, and the set squad criteria can be fulfilled by clubs," read a statement.

"While the League acknowledges there will likely be future postponements to navigate where Covid-19 cases are identified, there is optimism that disruption can be minimised following implementation of RED protocols, a daily testing regime and ongoing vaccination rollout."

EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “Throughout the pandemic, our two priorities have been ensuring the welfare of those involved in EFL competitions and ensuring the fixture schedule can continue where it is safe to do so.

“We will continue to work with clubs, authorities and other agencies to monitor the Covid-19 case rate and be prepared to respond accordingly, yet for now the view remains that we can continue to deliver games safely where clubs have sufficient healthy personnel in place, on and off the pitch.

“With club mitigation measures, the mass adoption of booster jabs and Covid certification now required for larger crowds, we are sure many fans will continue to feel confident in attending matches over the Christmas period and we look forward to welcoming them.”