CITY will wade into the contract debate with the EFL today, after FIFA recommended extending deals to get the season done.

The Bantams are involved in a conference call between League Two heads and the governing body, to discuss player registration through a convoluted campaign.

The club have followed several others by furloughing staff, both on and off the pitch, while football remains in lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic.

No decision can yet be taken on when it might be considered safe to play again – or whether the season should still be played to a finish.

That remains the preferred scenario since games were stopped a month ago, but with the sport on hold indefinitely, clubs are still in the dark about the likely outcome.

FIFA issued guidelines earlier this week on the legal consequences of the COVID-19 shutdown.

They have suggested that contracts which naturally expire at the end of June should continue until the season can eventually reach its conclusion.

Their statement read: “This should be in line with the original intention of the parties when the contract was signed and should also preserve sporting integrity and stability.”

But while that is their proposal, it has not been enforced, and City want to see how that will play out with the EFL.

The governing body may insist that clubs do that – but could potentially face opposition from those who do not want to retain players beyond the current deadline on the contracts.

It is unclear at this stage how any clubs who refused to keep certain players on would be treated if it was not laid down in law by FIFA.

There is also the knock-on effect of future contracts and the summer transfer window. That is another problem that clubs will want addressing during the current uncertainty.

It is a deeply worrying time, particularly in the lower divisions, with FA chairman Greg Clarke already warning of the danger that clubs and leagues could fold in the financial turmoil that is being created.

The Premier League last week announced a £125 million aid package for teams in the EFL and National League.

But with half of that figure likely to go towards parachute payments that were already due, the hand-out for clubs like City is thought to be in the region of £200,000.

That money, which City would hope to find out more about today, while welcome, would only cover a proportion of the month’s wage bill at Valley Parade.

As part of the furlough job retention scheme being used by businesses nationally, City will receive money from the government to help pay staff. But that is not expected to land in the club coffers until June.

In the meantime, they still have to find the money to pay wages, utility bills and stadium rent.