THE English Football League have told its member clubs they should not train until May 25 at the earliest.

It pushes back the previous deadline, which was due to expire on Saturday, following a meeting of the EFL's board today.

In a statement, the body acknowledged there had been plenty of debate about how the season would end, but stressed nothing had been decided and consultation would continue with clubs.

A meeting with its 71 members, including Oxford United, is due on Friday morning.

All clubs have been issued with an updated 'Return to Training' protocols today so preparations can be made.

The statement read: "However, until all outstanding matters are concluded, including finalising a comprehensive testing programme on matchdays and non-matchdays, the EFL Board has informed its clubs that a return to training should not take place until 25 May at the earliest.

"Dialogue continues with our colleagues across the footballing and political landscape regarding these and other issues, and the EFL is committed to keeping all relevant parties updated on key decisions and developments as they occur."

United boss Karl Robinson has said the club would vote to play the remaining games if it was safe, despite one alternative to end the season early leaving his side in a promotion position.

The EFL also raised concerns about the situation beyond this season.

It read: "Current attention is clearly on the immediate next steps, but the long-term impact on the league and its clubs remains as stark as previously outlined, and solutions are still required to fill the financial hole left by the crisis.

"The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will not be rectified simply by a return to play behind closed doors."