Hull City have been revealed as the first Championship side to oppose the restart of the league, having sent a letter to the Football League to call for the season to be voided.
Championship sides are yet to return to training, although a potential return date of 25 May has been tentatively agreed upon by the division's 24 sides.
Championship training return delayed to May 25
— Adam Crafton (@AdamCrafton_) May 13, 2020
?Doubts linger over restart as clubs still to receive costing for tests/want longer preseason
??♂️Coaches wonder how many +tests mean a game doesn’t go on
??Clubs who raised issues told to adopt can-do attitude https://t.co/5xKUQFwXTO
The Telegraph note that Hull were one of several sides to voice concerns over a return to action during a recent conference call. However, the Tigers - who sit two points above the relegation zone in 21st - have taken it one step further by writing to EFL chairman Rick Parry and the rest of the teams to try and see the season cancelled.
“I do not presently believe that the 2019/20 season can be safely completed without unnecessarily exposing Championship clubs to potential legal action in the event that one or more of its employees (or their family members) were to become infected with COVID-19," club vice-chairman Ehab Allam wrote.
“As made clear on last week’s conference call, I am against the 2019/20 season being completed under the present circumstances and in light of the wider public health issues facing the United Kingdom at the present time.
“My position remains that the season should be voided and (with no further games played and efforts instead being focused upon ensuring a safe return in the advance of next season, whenever that ultimately takes place), with this means of drawing a conclusion to the 2019/20 season (including how the important questions of promotion and relegation would then be addressed) being put to a formal vote pursuant to the EFL’s Articles of Association.”
It is understood that the majority of Championship sides want to see the season completed, but Allam raised concerns over the loss of sporting integrity if teams are forced to play under current circumstances.
Allam also confirmed that he plans to vote against extending player and staff contracts beyond 30 June in another attempt to preserve the integrity of the campaign.
When the season was postponed, Hull found themselves 21st in the league table, one place and two points ahead of the relegation zone and without a win in their last 12 games in all competitions.
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Source: 90min
