Clubs will need to 'be creative' if games are played behind-closed-doors

UEFA's easing of their 'Saturday 3pm blackout' may help MK Dons and the rest of the EFL in completing the season should games be played without supporters.

The EFL have said players cannot return to training until at least May 16, but want the season completed - which would see Dons playing nine games - in 56 days. It may also involve playing those games behind-closed-doors, meaning no supporters would be allowed into the stadiums.

UEFA has long held a television blackout in England, encouraging fans to watch their teams live rather than on television. But should the remaining games be played in empty stadiums, those limitations have been eased.

But should fans be banned from grounds, it would leave thousands of season ticket holders out of pocket. Dons' Execituve Director Andrew Cullen said the club is exploring 'creative' avenues to ensure supporters are not left out of pocket.

He said: "At the moment, the season will recommence so those games will be played. If it gets to a point where the games are played behind closed doors, there will need to be some creative solutions for the people who are missing four of those games. We will look at that if the season comes to that. No-one will be out of pocket in that respect.

"The situation is that the league are looking at all sorts of alternative scenarios. We want to play in front of crowds, and it will be strange if we play behind closed doors. In that case, we've got the iFollow service and supporters will be aware they can watch the evening games there. There is a simple process to put into place.

"Current regulations prohibits live games at 3pm on a Saturday, but if we're all forced to play behind-closed-doors, that will be relaxed. It's in place to protect clubs and encouraging fans to go to watch them live, but if they cannot, that might be once scenario they are looking at if the games are behind-closed-doors."