CITY have defended the role of the EFL in the current coronavirus shutdown, as football chiefs across Europe meet to consider the way ahead.

UEFA are today staging a video conference with all 55 European national football associations, to discuss how the season can possibly be finished.

The complex issue of player contracts, for those due to end on June 30, must also be considered should the campaign be extended beyond that cut-off date – which seems increasingly likely.

The Bantams were involved in Monday’s update call between League Two clubs and the EFL – and insist it is wrong for anyone to point the finger at those in charge, as money worries within the domestic game escalate.

“It appears the EFL have been criticised in some quarters over their communication and, ultimately, governance,” said City director of communications Ryan Sparks.

“We cannot understand that. The people who are criticising them perhaps need to look closer to home.

“The information I have seen has been sent, at the very worst, on a weekly basis. They are long documents you can read clearly, understanding all the advice and guidance.

“There is no user manual for this situation and we believe the EFL are doing all they can to guide clubs in the best possible direction.

“The EFL have led as a governing body far better than some sports around us, who appear a little looser in their approach.

“They have daily conversations with government ministers, while other sports are probably sat waiting for decisions to be made on their behalf.”

A large proportion of the present City squad have deals that are due to run out at the end of the season. June 30 had originally been suggested as the deadline to finish the season to avoid contract complications.

“We are awaiting some clarity with regards to the contracts of players,” added Sparks. “That is being dealt with by FIFA and will likely be handed down to the European bodies very soon.

“The EFL made a £50m pot of money available to its clubs, in a bid to assist with short-term financial issues that were no fault of their own, within days of the pandemic impacting on the UK.

“To criticise the leadership of the EFL on the back of their recent activity is questionable to say the least. Nobody is to blame for this and there will be no fingers pointed by our club.

“Had it not been for COVID-19, would clubs be questioning the leadership of the EFL? Quite frankly, no.

“Rick Parry has only been in the job for six months and is doing his upmost to tackle an unprecedented predicament head on.

“We spent over £4 million last season, and ultimately were relegated from League One.

“Of course, no mirror was required, though we pointed the finger at ourselves. We certainly didn’t go knocking on the EFL’s door to call them out on it.

“We are all struggling financially but nobody is directly to blame for that. Companies up and down the country are dealing with significant and sudden financial pressure.

“The EFL’s communication has been second to none since day one. I don’t know what more anyone wants, apart from them to pay wages.”