SPFL: WE DON’T HAVE THE FUNDS TO HELP CLUBS

THE SPFL last night warned they do not have the funds to bail out Scottish football if the coronavirus forces games to be played behind closed doors. To date, the game here has resisted following the lead of some of Europe’s top leagues, who have opted to stage games without fans for the foreseeable future in a bid to contain the pandemic. The system remains fluid, however, with a joint response group convened by the SPFL and SFA monitoring the situation. Unlike in huge TV markets like Spain and France, however, Scottish clubs are hugely dependent on gate revenue — making the potential consequences of locking fans out far greater. On Tuesday, the SPFL advised members to ‘examine their insurance arrangements’ in case they are forced to take such action to help combat the spread of the virus. Stressing there were no emergency funds to make up the shortfall in their latest decree last night, a spokesperson said: ‘Of course, we will implement any instructions from the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, as public health remains the overwhelming priority. ‘We have already made clear publicly, and to the Scottish Government, that there will be dire financial consequences for our clubs if matches are played behind closed doors or cancelled. ‘We have written to all clubs advising them to examine insurance arrangements in case of matches being affected.

‘This is particularly important as the SPFL does not hold reserves. Every penny of income from sponsorships, broadcast deals and cup revenue is already paid to the clubs as fees.’ Elsewhere yesterday, all Nottingham Forest players and staff have been given the all-clear from the coronavirus, having been tested following club owner Evangelos Marinakis’ positive diagnosis. The Greek businessman was in Nottingham last week and attended the Sky Bet Championship game against Millwall. Forest are set to play Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough on Saturday, with the Owls understood to be in dialogue with Forest and the EFL concerning the match. But, with the EFL saying it will continue to follow government guidelines, Forest have confirmed no one at the club has tested positive. Arsenal’s Premier League clash at Manchester City, which had been scheduled for last night, was postponed in the early hours yesterday as a ‘precautionary measure’. Marinakis, who owns Olympiakos as well as Forest, met Arsenal staff and players during the February 27 Europa League tie at the Emirates Stadium. The Arsenal squad are expected to train on Thursday if none of those in isolation begin to show symptoms — and no one involved with the club requires testing for the coronavirus — ahead of Saturday’s game at Brighton. Despite Marinakis’ diagnosis, the EFL has no immediate plans to postpone fixtures.