Answers sought over £300m support deal

The Scottish Government is seeking urgent clarification on how a £300 million package for sport in England will transmit to finances available north of the border.

The UK Government has announced a funding package for several sports, which will come mainly in the form of loans.

Scotland will be due extra cash under the Barnett Formula for distributing expenditure, as a result of the extra measures.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “While many sporting organisations have been able to access wider support packages , particularly, the job retention scheme and non-domestic rates relief, the Scottish Government will continue to work with the sector to ensure their long-term sustainability.”

Eleven sports in England will benefit from the funding with rugby union set to receive the biggest injection of £135 million.

Horse racing will receive £4 0 m while English non-league football will receive £25m on top of £10m of National Lottery money previously earmarked for the National League.

Women’s football in England has been awarded £3m.

The Rugby Football League, the Lawn Tennis Association and England Netball will also benefit along with basketball, ice hockey, motor sport, badminton and greyhound racing.

The package does not cover league football in England because the UK Government expects the Premier League to provide financial support to English Football League clubs.