Parry’s stark financial warning as Cats & rivals wait for updates
Rick Parry has said that EFL is ‘deeply frustrated’ with the decision to pause the test events bringing fans back to stadiums.
In a statement, the EFL Chairman also called for financial assistance from the Government and the Premier League, warning that the period ahead will be ‘very challenging’ without it.
A number of EFL grounds were allowed to hold test events last weekend, with up to 1,000 admitted in line with strict COVID-19 protocols.
However, with infection rates rising across the country, the Government has stopped the programme and said it will ‘pause’ plans to allow fans to return from October 1.
W i th th e G ove r n m e nt warning that their latest restrictions could be in place for six months, there are major concerns about the financial forecast for clubs throughout the pyramid.
“Following the successful return of supporters to seven fixtures on Saturday, the EFL is disappointed at the decision to suspend plans for the return of fans to matches,” Parry said.
“Of course we recognise that the UK is facing a significant public health crisis and that sport has to play its part in helping the Government manage the spread of the virus at this difficult time.
"This is why over many months we have helped the Government devise, refine and pilot stringent stadium protocols designed to keep support
ers safe.
"Staging professional football matches is one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management and any supporters attending EFL fixtures, in vastly reduced numbers,wouldhavebeenrequired to adhere to social distancing and the rule of six.
“Therefore we are deeply frustrated that we will not be able to continue this work and,
in doing so, gather the evidence to show that crowds can return safely to football and become an important financial lifeline for our clubs,” he added.
"Therefore, as a matter of urgencywenowneedtounderstand what the Government’s roadmapisforgettingsupporters back into stadiums as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
“With extended measures introduced, it is imperative
that the financial issues facing our Clubs are addressed quickly.
"EFL Clubs lost £50m last season as a result of playing matches behind closed doors or curtailing the season and stand to lose a further £200m in 2020/21 should we be required to play the whole season without supporters in grounds.
"I am encouraged that the
Government has recognised the need for urgent financial assistance for sport and d i s c u s s io n s w i l l c o nt i nue with DCMS and the Premier League.
“We remain optimistic that a solution will be found but we should also be very clear that if it is not, then the outlook for many clubs in the period ahead will be very challenging.”
Sunderland are not thought to have been planning any test events in the immediate future, with infection rates in the area high and additional local restrictions in place.
The club have been meeting with supporter groups in recent weeks amid extensive planning for the safe return of fans, whenever that is permitted.