Football found itself at the centre of Covid-19 chaos on Tuesday night after David Moyes and two of his West Ham stars tested positive.
The trio were sent home ahead of their Carabao Cup game against Hull - but the match still went ahead - with the Hammers running out 5-1 winners.
On a night of farce that raised big implications for the Premier League, Moyes, defender Issa Diop and midfielder Josh Cullen left the ground after receiving their results around 45 minutes before kick-off.
But the EFL did not confirm what was going on until the second half. It was left to the Hammers with Moyes absent from the touchline.
A club statement said: “West Ham United can confirm that David Moyes, Issa Diop and Josh Cullen have returned positive tests for COVID-19.
“The Club’s medical team were informed of the test results as the team were at London Stadium preparing for this evening’s Carabao Cup third round tie against Hull City.
“The manager and both players immediately left the stadium and have returned home.
“All three, who are asymptomatic, will now follow Public Health England and Premier League guidelines and protocols.
“Everyone at West Ham United send their best wishes to David, Issa and Josh.”
The chaos comes after Leyton Orient's tie with Spurs nearby was postponed after a number of the League Two side's players also tested positive for Covid-19.
There are fears now that the lower leagues could face a crisis with a lack of testing by the EFL and clubs playing each other every three days.
The Premier League shut down in March after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for Covid-19. West Ham are set to play Wolves on Sunday in their next top-flight match.
The east Londoners had their tests on Monday and maintain that social distancing was observed on the way to the game, minimising the risk to the rest of the squad.
Hull insisted they were happy to play - despite asthmatic striker Josh Magennis expressing his Covid concerns back in May.
A club statement read: “We are satisfied that West Ham followed all guidelines and protocols upon receiving the positive results and, after consulting with the EFL, were comfortable with the game going ahead.
The EFL defended their handling of the debacle and said: “The guidance permitted the match to go ahead as planned but not before the two clubs’ medical teams, in conjunction with the EFL’s medical advisors, agreed all relevant protocols had been followed and both teams were comfortable in continuing.“
Robert Snodgrass opened the scoring for West Ham while both Sebastian Haller and Andriy Yarmalenko grabbed two goals apiece. Mallik Wilks netted a 70th minute consolation for Hull.
