Middlesbrough's out of contract players should be allowed to stay - according to leaked FIFA document

All professional football in England has been postponed until at least April 30 following the outbreak of COVID-19, though it’s expected the suspension will be extended and the season will run into the summer months.

That would pose a problem for players who are out of contract at the end of the season, with deals set to expire on June 30.

A total of seven Boro players will see their deals expire in the next few months, including captain George Friend, Daniel Ayala, Jonny Howson, George Friend, Ryan Shotton, Adam Clayton, Rudy Gestede and Marvin Johnson.

Yet it’s now been reported that a confidential FIFA document, seen by Reuters, will allow players to stay at their clubs until the campaign has concluded.

The document also says there are recommendations to change the dates of the upcoming transfer windows to align with the re-scheduled seasons.

It also urges clubs and players to work together to find solutions to salary payments.

Before the season was suspended, Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate said contract talks had been put on hold while the club fought to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Woodgate has repeatedly said he expects Howson to sign a new deal at the club, yet the break in play has understandably delayed negotiations.

The Teessiders also have three loan players in their squad following the January arrivals of Patrick Roberts, Lukas Nmecha and Harold Moukoudi.