English football's plan to complete the season has suffered a fresh blow after it emerged players face being uninsured if their careers are ended because of the coronavirus.

A host of players who have sought clarification as to whether they would be protected if contracting the virus meant they were forced to stop playing.

And players are being advised they would not be covered if infection leads to them having to end their careers prematurely because the coronavirus is not listed as a critical illness.

Footballers would not be covered by insurance if their careers are ended by the coronavirus

They may eligible for an insurance pay-out, however, if contracting the virus leads to another illness that is recognised as a critical illness.

Critical illness cover is not standardised in players' insurance policies, but can be added for a further charge. However, many players forgo the level of cover because it can cost up to £5,000 per year in some cases.

But Sportsmail knows of a number of players who have since improved their insurance policies since the coronavirus outbreak, which has claimed the lives of 1,228 in the UK so far.

Players already have major reservations about playing again while the risk of contracting Covid-19 remains strong, even if, as expected, games are played behind closed doors.

The news comes as a fresh blow to English football as they try to find a way to restart season

But while that helps protect supporters against the Coronavirus, players and staff would still be left at risk of contracting the illness - which would have knock-on consequences for their families.

Sportsmail revealed on Monday plans to quarantine players in hotels once football returns in a move designed to help minimise the spread and concerns over insurance has added an extra layer of doubt for players.

When contacted by Sportsmail, the Association of British Insurers confirmed that coronavirus is not recognised as a critical illness - but said 'the unfortunate event a person were to develop a listed critical illness as a result of having coronavirus we would expect insurers to approach this claim in the same as treating someone with a critical illness'.