Government aid tobe aimed at lowerleagues

We will expect the top tiers of

professional sport to look at ways in which it can support

itself with government focussing on those most in

need

THE National League last night said they were in talks with the government and Football Association over a “critical financial support package”.

After a board meeting yesterday, the league, whose top flight features West side Yeovil Town, did not confirm if the season will start on October 3 as planned.

Fans may not to be able to watch live sporting events in England until March due to new coronavirus restrictions and earlier yesterday, National League North clubs said they did not want to begin playing without crowds.

Meanwhile, Nigel Huddleston, the minister for sport, has said Premier

League clubs may have to support themselves as the government provides help to those lower down the pyramid. Huddleston has held talks with sporting governing bodies in a bid to assuage fears over finances following the decision to scrap an October return to stadia for fans.

Speaking in parliament, he said it may be a case of top tiers, such as the Premier League, supporting themselves financially in order to prioritise lower-earning leagues more dependent on match-day income. Bristol Rovers are losing in about £150,000 for every game played at the Mem without a crowd.

Huddleston said: “We recognise the impact of the decisions this week to delay the reopening of stadia over the winter will have on sport. The government will now work at pace with sport to understand the issues faced by organisations facing the most challenging circumstances and assess what further support may be required. Where it can, we will expect the top tiers of professional sport to look at ways in which it can support itself with government focusing on those most in need.”

MP Damian Collins pressed Huddleston on what could be done to stop EFL clubs going out of business. He said: “Yesterday I wrote to the governing bodies of all major spectator sports to formally begin discussions and provide them with a contact point in DCMS. I also asked the governing bodies to provide me with details of any member clubs or associations under imminent threat.”