The Premier League must step up and provide financial support to the lower league clubs whose revenues have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) secretary Oliver Dowden said on Sunday.
English Football League (EFL) clubs in the three tiers below the Premier League rely heavily on matchday revenue, with an estimated 200 million pounds ($255 million) in losses forecast if games are held behind closed doors all season.
With the British government postponing plans to allow a limited number of spectators back into stadiums from October after a second wave of COVID-19 infections, many clubs said they may collapse if they do not receive a bailout.
“The first thing we need to look to is the Premier League and I’ve been in contact with them this week,” Dowden told Sky Sports.
“We’re all agreed the Premier League needs to step up to the plate and they’re having intensive discussions with the EFL over how they can support those clubs. They’re ready to play their part, the Prime Minister and I have been urging them to do that.
“The direction is clear… I’m in close consultation with them and I’m hopeful they will be able to reach a deal and provide that level of support.”
The Premier League said its members suffered 700 million pounds of losses last season after stadiums barred fans but the situation in the top tier is not as bad because the clubs enjoy lucrative television deals.
The idea of the Premier League helping out the lower division clubs has also been backed by a number of top-flight managers, including Liverpool’s Juergen Klopp, Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and Sheffield United’s Chris Wilder.
More Stories
Djokovic Edges Closer To Grand Slam Record With Spot In Last Eight
Hamilton Hails ‘Mega Job’ By Mercedes, Focused On Next Year
Verstappen Wins In Spain To Continue Red Bull Sweep
Benzema Leaves Real Madrid After 14 Years At Club
Milan Say Ibrahimovic Will Not Extend Contract
Tongue Takes Five Wickets As England Crush Ireland
Ten Hag’s United “Broken” After FA Cup Final Loss To Manchester City
Jabeur Upset With Fans Reselling Tickets Due To Women’s Match In Night Session
Mbappe Targets Ligue 1 Scoring Record With PSG Next Season
Swiatek No Fan Of ‘Iga’s Bakery’ Memes After Serving Up Another Double Bagel
Messi To Leave PSG At End Of Season After Two Years At The Club
Man City Edge Closer To Treble After FA Cup Final Win Over Manchester United