THE suspension of fixtures in the EFL is “inevitable” because of rising number of coronavirus cases, claims Rochdale chief executive David Bottomley.

The Spotland club have had two games postponed because of positive Covid-19 tests in the last month – and League One neighbours Accrington Stanley are now six games behind some clubs in the division.

In total, 52 matches have been claimed as the virus continues to impact teams up and down the country, forcing players to self-isolate and training grounds to close.

Sheffield Wednesday yesterday became the latest club to close their facilities after positive tests.

The EFL is understood to be following the Premier League’s lead and has no current plans to pause the fixture list. But with developments changing by the day, Bottomley feels a break is unavoidable.

“Surely just for a month until the vaccine starts to get rolled out, we could have a break,” he told BBC Radio Manchester.

“(Suspending the league) is inevitable. Hospitals across the UK are being told they are to face a massive surge in Covid cases so who are we in football to be trying to add to that situation?”

All players at EFL clubs will take mandatory tests this week and all 64 teams participating in this weekend’s FA Cup third round ties are required to be tested 72 hours before the game in guidelines set out by the governing body.

If a tie is unable to go ahead as a result of Covid-19 then the FA will review the matter.