The English Football League have said they are committed to completing the current season and have finances to help.

A £50million short-term relief package has been put in place to assist clubs struggling with the lack of income during the halt in proceedings.

Gillingham were chasing a play-off spot in League 1 before play was suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Play is on hold until April 3, at the earliest, but that date looks optimistic.

Clubs have already been told by the Chancellor that a range of financial measures are in place to help, and the EFL have offered further assistance.

The Football League met today (Wednesday) to discuss the implications of the Covid-19 outbreak.

A statement released said that the EFL’s primary objective was to “deliver a successful conclusion to the 2019/20 season, subject to the over-riding priority around health and well-being.

“Plans continue to be developed on the agreed principle that it is in the best interests of the EFL and Clubs to complete the current season at the appropriate time.”

The postponement for a year of the summer’s European Championships has given extra leeway to extend the season into June and even July, if necessary.

In regards to financial support, the EFL have advanced Basic Award payments to clubs immediately and are able to offer interest-free loans.

Gillingham employ around 300 staff members and the club is currently shut, with players training at home and a skeleton staff working at Priestfield.

Chairman Paul Scally told Sky Sports on Wednesday that they could cope financially for a few months but that was all.

He said: "Assuming we can come to and arrangement with HMRC and not so much defer payments but have a holiday of not paying HMRC payments, say for the next three months, we can then use that money to keep the staff going.

"Obviously staff will have to come to an arrangement with their own mortgage companies, or banks, or car loan companies, of maybe having a holiday of three months of not paying payments there.

"If we can give money for staff to buy essentials like food, put petrol in their cars so they can get around and look after their families, then I think we can last two or three months. After that, the cash we do have will run out and I don't have a solution past two or three months."

The league's statement continued: “The EFL, through a dedicated taskforce, continues to review the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on our clubs and competitions.

“Alongside ensuring the 2019/20 season reaches a successful conclusion, protecting the EFL and its clubs is a key priority for the EFL Board.”

Read more on the Gills here