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National journo shares cost facing EFL for Coronavirus testing if Ch’ship resumes
It will cost around £5 million for Leeds United and other Championship clubs to be fully tested for Covid-19 between now and a potential end to the season, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay reported on Friday that the Whites are still one of the most vocal advocates for completing the 2019/20 season, even though a points per game average would see them awarded an automatic promotion spot anyway.
But Nixon has claimed that the EFL are facing a seven-figure payout if they do decide to push ahead with potential plans to play any remaining fixtures.
The governing body will be required to cover the cost themselves, with the money likely to be taken out of the Championship’s central kitty.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, the reliable journalist said: “Cost of Championship clubs testing for rest of season… £5m… that will hurt.
“However, the EFL have been told it has to be done by authorities and they are paying – although, ultimately, that comes out of the central pot.
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“Hard to see Leagues One and Two do[ing] this bit too.”
Cost of Championship clubs testing for rest of season … 5m … that will hurt. However the EFL have been told it has to be done by authorities and they are paying. Although ultimately that comes out of the central pot. Hard to see League One and Two do this bit too 😳#decisions
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) May 15, 2020
This could be a blow to Leeds’ hopes of finishing the season on the pitch, as is their main preference.
Full testing is an absolute necessity if these remaining matches are to go ahead, but the EFL are likely to be put off somewhat by the prospect of paying out £5 million, especially when the Coronavirus pandemic is having such a negative financial impact on just about everything.
If they decide that they are unwilling to stump up that amount then it really is difficult to see how the fixture schedule could be completed as initially planned.
Nixon doesn’t appear to be ruling it out though, and only time will tell if it’s a financial hit that the EFL are willing to take for the sake of the integrity of their flagship competition.
In other Leeds United news, MP opens door for Leeds to attain what they have been so vocal about in recent weeks.