EFL hoping to allow some fans into Championship matches this weekend

Luton could potentially run out at Kenilworth Road on Saturday in front of a crowd for the first time since late February after the English Football League (EFL) confirmed they will continue to stage pilots with up to 1,000 fans at matches this weekend, following approval from the government.

EFL clubs were asked to put in requests by Tuesday in order for their plans to be signed off in time, and although it is not know whether the Hatters have, Nathan Jones' side take on Derby County on home soil on Saturday.

Culture secretary Oliver Dowden will meet with sports bodies later this week to discuss the planned return of spectators to sport from October 1, although those in local lockdown areas were will not receive permission to take part in the test events.

In a letter to clubs this morning, the EFL's head of policy John Nagle said: "We cannot guarantee at this stage that all clubs that would like to stage a pilot will be given permission to do so, as only a limited number will be approved.

"We are still in discussions with regard to pilot matches on other dates."

An EFL spokesman said it remains "in discussions with the government about the pilot programme which may include a limited number of further pilot matches during September with capacity limited to 1,000."

They also added: "The League is clear in its view that social distancing can be applied safely in football stadia and that having crowds at matches is an absolutely essential part of helping to protect club finances, which remain under extreme pressure.

"Therefore, the successful delivery of further pilots will be an important step towards getting larger numbers of fans into grounds safely."

Last week, the government restricted pilot events to 1,000 spectators after a rise in coronavirus cases, and said plans for grounds to be up to a third full from 1 October would be reviewed.