The chairman of the Football League admits games are likely to be played behind closed doors when the season resumes.

Rick Parry, head of the EFL, says it is unclear when supporters can attend games again but says matches will be broadcast live over the internet.

They remain committed to completing the 2019/20 season, he says.

The EFL have been working with a tentative plan that could see football resume in June but are depended on restrictions implemented by the government during the current coronavirus crisis.

An extension of the current lockdown was announced on Thursday.

Mr Parry addressed football supporters in an open letter, released by the EFL, which said: “I understand the desire among fans for definitive answers, particularly around the conclusion of 2019/20 campaign.

“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.

“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.”

Fans had previously been able to pay a one-off fee for certain games, of around £10. It’s more than half the amount clubs would receive through the turnstiles.

Finances of clubs, of which the Gills like many are struggling with, is something the EFL are conscious of.

Mr Parry continued: “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 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.

“Aside from two catastrophic World Wars, this pandemic is arguably the most challenging issue to have affected football since the League was founded 132 years ago.

“Our clubs have been left with significant outgoings while facing a sudden loss of income. With this in mind, I’m sure you will be aware of talk about wages and deferrals.

“Good progress is being made in these areas, with a view to this assisting in delivering medium to long-term solutions that protect our game for years to come.”

Read more on the Gills;

Club primed for summer bids

Boss upbeat over June return

EFL make pay-cut proposal