COVID19:UK FOOTBALL CLUBS PROMISED FINANCIAL HELP!

BY PROF DR IAN BLACKSHAW

As a footnote to the Post of 29 September 2020 (below), National League Clubs have now had a positive response from the Government to their plea for urgent financial assistance, in order to start the new season on 3 October 2020, but without fans.

They have been told that they will receive an emergency grant, but they have not yet been told the amount of the grant. However, they are hoping for £2-3 million a week.^[1]

The financial assistance will include grants to cover essential revenue which has been lost as a result of fans not now being allowed by the Government to return, as planned, on 1 October 2020, as a result of the sharp increase in the number of cases of Coronavirus in the UK.

Nigel Huddleston, the Sports Minister, said in Parliament that the assistance “will be based on those most in need.”

And added:

“It will absolutely be focussed on gate receipts….[and]….that other sports would definitely be included.”

Naturally, this news has been welcomed not only in football circles, but also in the sporting world in general!

Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.’

^[1]The Government has now announced a package of £10 million over 3 months.