Confusion reigns as Luton's clash with Rams chosen by EFL as a test event despite Hatters withdrawing their application

Luton's home match against Derby County has been thrown into disarray after the Hatters were chosen as one of the ten EFL cubs allowed to admit fans back to their ground on Saturday, just minutes after chief executive Gary Sweet stated that Town had withdrawn their application.

The EFL announced at 1pm, that Luton's game, plus the Norwich City v Preston North End and Middlesbrough v AFC Bournemouth contests, along with four League One and three League Two fixtures could welcome supporters back into the stadium.

The move to extend the programme follows a successful pilot staged at Cambridge United last week when fans were in attendance at a professional football match for the first time since March.

Attendance is capped at a capacity of 1,000 as discussions continue with the Government about return for supporters’ in greater numbers post October 1.

However, Town chief executive Sweet had stated only moments previously that Town were not looking to go ahead with the plans after not being given enough time to get ready by the EFL.

The Hatters have been contacted for comment, as EFL Chair, Rick Parry said: “It’s encouraging that we are in a position to move forward with the next phase of the pilot programme and give a small number of our Clubs the opportunity to welcome back up to a 1,000 fans this week.

“The health and well-being of supporters and their wider communities remains the priority, but as we showed at Cambridge, social distancing can be applied safely.

"By extending across more EFL Clubs we hope to further demonstrate that the measures developed can allow fans to return in greater numbers from as early as next month.

“The requirement to welcome spectators back through turnstiles has not diminished in any way, the financial challenges facing EFL Clubs have been explained on numerous occasions, they are substantial and a problem that requires immediate solutions."

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden added: "I know that many fans are eager to return to football and that jobs depend on this too, so fans will welcome news that the EFL will be running number capped, covid secure, and socially distanced pilots this weekend.

"This will help us build the evidence base to see how we can return fans safely in greater numbers as soon as it is safe to do so."

Confirmed games

Championship

Luton Town v Derby County; Norwich City v Preston North End; Middlesbrough v AFC Bournemouth

League One

Charlton Athletic v Doncaster Rovers; Blackpool v Swindon Town; Shrewsbury Town v Northampton Town; Hull City v Crewe Alexandra

League Two

Forest Green Rovers v Bradford City; Carlisle United v Southend United; Morecambe v Cambridge United.