EFL WANT CLARITY ON CASH

CHAMPIONSHIP clubs are hoping that their ruling body can resolve a cash wrangle with the Government.

The EFL had expected to receive £100million of Treasury cash to be paid to clubs in the form of loans last Friday in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

But the Government changed the terms of the bail-out package designed to help second-tier clubs finish the season.

The EFL has expressed their disappointment but said they hoped the loan will be paid after urgent top-level talks.

A league spokesperson said: “We are extremely disappointed by the developments at this late stage of our discussions and we will continue to strongly negotiate with HM Treasury to secure a solution that meets the requirements of Championship clubs and is consistent with the parameters other industries are being asked to meet.”

All matches in England continue to be played behind closed doors and, as a result, EFL clubs are losing money.

A spokeswoman for the Treasury said: “The Covid Corporate Financing Facility provides shortterm loans to big companies that make a material contribution to the UK economy.

“Companies wishing to take out loans have to agree to certain conditions on dividends and pay restraint as taxpayers would expect.”

SMART Manchester City star Rodri is top of the league – and aiming to be top of the class too.

The Spanish midfielder,

24 (below) is closing in on a Business Studies and Economics degree, as well as his first Premier League title.

Rodri, signed for

£62million from Atletico Madrid 18 months ago, started his studies at the University of Castellon in Valencia while playing for Villarreal in 2018.

He said: “Now the situation means everything has been delayed but I hope everything goes smooth so I can finish this year.”

Rodri is growing on the pitch, too, and added: “Since I came here, for sure it’s the best football I have played.

“I feel really good and every game I’m growing as a player.”