Fulham could kick off the Championship campaign in front of full capacity crowds in August following Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that coronavirus restrictions would be lifted on July 19th.

The EFL chief executive Trevor Birch said: “The EFL welcomes today’s positive announcement by the prime minister that capacity restrictions are expected to be lifted later this month, which will allow us to finally press forward with our plans to see a full return of fans to EFL stadiums from the start of the new EFL season in just four weeks’ time.

“Football has been planning for this outcome since the outset of the pandemic and having been forced to endure empty stadiums since March 2020, the message from EFL Clubs is that we are ready to re-open and welcome fans back in numbers. From the EFL’s own participation in the Events Research Programme and our Club’s extensive experience built up over many years, we are confident that all our Clubs can successfully manage large scale events and we will continue to work with the Government on the guidance that will help support their matchday operations.

“Today’s developments, of course, have been made possible by the staff at the NHS and countless medical experts and scientists who have helped to develop and roll-out the vaccines. On behalf of the League and its membership, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for playing such an important role in helping re-open our sport and wider society.”

Precise capacity arrangements at Craven Cottage would have to be confirmed by the Hammersmith and Fulham Council safety advisory group which licenses all fixtures played at Fulham’s home ground. Due to the fact that Fulham’s historic home only has one entry point at Stevenage Road, Fulham have previously played in front of smaller crowds than their competitors, but there is a possibly that the relaxation of restrictions could facilitate full capacity for the opening fixture against Middlesbrough on Sunday 8 August.