Fans could be back in grounds by Christmas
SUPPORTERS may be allowed back into grounds by Christmas, but only in parts of England with low rates of Covid-19, writes Danny Griffiths.
Leading football administrators held talks yesterday with Oliver Dowden, secretary of state for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, to discuss the return of fans based on a successful plan used in Germany.
The virtual summit was attended by representatives from the Premier League, Football Association, the Professional Footballers’ Association, anti-discrimination campaigners Kick It Out and the Football Supporters’ Association.
Diversity was also discussed, along with helping clubs facing bankruptcy caused by the lack of revenue at the turnstiles.
Dowden stepped in when talks stalled about a rescue package between the Premier League and English Football League.
Clubs remain frustrated that supporters are not permitted entry to games even though they believed safe distance requirements were met. When the green light is given fans will only be welcomed in grounds in tiers one and two of the national restriction zones.
Ten EFL clubs are reportedly struggling to pay wages this month and any return of supporters – even at the expected 20 per cent of each stadium’s capacity – would ease the burden.
Dowden, who was highly critical of the failed Project Big Picture orchestrated by Manchester United and Liverpool, wants a fairer distribution of funds paid by the Premier League to EFL clubs. Around £180million of the £200m is in parachute payments to clubs relegated from the top flight the two previous years.
‘Constructive conversation with football leaders on governance and getting fans back,’ the culture secretary wrote on Twitter.
‘I want to work together with football to make progress on important issues for the game’s long-term future. Discussions to continue as we start our fan-led review of governance.’