Notable leaders in the UK have penned down a plea in the form of a joint letter. It has been sent to the ministers of the UK Government in order to get helped with a coronavirus crisis rescue package.
Football League structure in danger amid COVID-19 in the UK
Greg Dyke and Lord Triesman, the former Football Association(FA) chairmen, Sunderland shareholder Charlie Methven and Robbie Savage, broadcaster and former Welsh footballer all added their signature to the letter.
The letter has been sent to the Cultural Secretary Oliver Dowden, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston, chair of the Football Supporters’ Association Malcolm Clarke, former chairman of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee Damian Collins, and few of other MPs.
The letter states that the English Football League (EFL) and National League clubs are on the verge of “cease playing and put their business into administration”.
The letter has urged to help them with the required “financial support”.
The EFL clubs were hopeful that the fans would be allowed to witness the live matches from the ground October 1 onwards.
However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson decided to wait for another six months to take measures against the second wave of COVID-19. Thus it means that the winter fixtures will also have no fans at the ground.
The letter read, “In order for clubs to sustain themselves over the winter and keep playing, they would need to be compensated for the loss of match ticket sales.”
However, “There is still time to act, but not long left.”
Many UK clubs could close down their youth academies and community foundations if proper steps are not planned immediately.
“This could lead not only to the failure of many historic community clubs, but the collapse of the national league structure that we have known for over 100 years.”
The letter mentioned that many clubs were “unable to meet their payroll obligations for next month.”
Previously, the Government had provided £1.5 billion to the arts and cultural organisations in July.
Thereby, the signatories concluded stating that they believe the sport of football is also a part of the cultural activities in the country and they would be endorsed.
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