READING FC will receive emergency funding from the English Football League as part of a £50m short-term relief effort aimed to combat the Coronavirus crisis, with the EFL also announcing its intention for the 2019/20 campaign to be played to a finish.

At a meeting of the EFL's board, it was agreed Championship clubs will receive their remaining £800,000 award payment from the Premier League on Thursday.

They will also be able to apply for a £584,000 interest-free loan.

With no fixtures due to be played until April 3 at the earliest - the EFL Trophy final set for April 5 has also been postponed - clubs faced a dramatic cut to income.

In a statement, the EFL said: "As part of the League's continued contingency planning, the board heard the comments and observations from EFL clubs, before discussing a number of issues including the current financial position and implications, insurance, regulatory matters and broadcasting arrangements.

"Discussions centred on financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no one single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately assist with cash flow via a £50m short-term relief package."

The EFL also confirmed it plans to play the remainder of the season - whenever it is possible - to protect the integrity of the competition.