As clubs continues to struggle financially during the coronavirus pandemic, Chelsea coach, Frank Lampard has stressed the importance of Premier League supporting EFL clubs financially.
Chelsea had to pay Barnsley for the coronavirus test of all its staff before playing against them in the third round of the Carabao Cup, which the Blues won 6-0 at the Stamford Bridge.
It could be recaled that the Premier League and EFL have been talking regarding a support package. This is following the comment made by Rick Parry, chairman of the EFL, that Championship, League One and League Two clubs will lose a combined £200m if the 2020/21 season takes place entirely behind closed doors.
Such decision taken by the government on Tuesday has been described as devastating by some club owners. Leyton Orient owner Nigel Travis in an interview with Sky Sports News said that this might make some clubs go bankrupt.
The new government decision is a further blow to clubs that had planned to admit some fans from October 1.
“I think it’s important that the Premier League as a collective looks at supporting the EFL, the leagues below and grassroots football, absolutely.
“That’s the base of why we’re all here. I started and [a lot] of the young players started in Sunday league football. I’ve managed in the Championship. I understand a lot of the difficulties clubs are having, so I think there certainly can be a conversation,” he added.
Lower leagues need support
On his part, Leyton Orient owner Nigel Travis urged the government to provide financial support to lower league clubs struggling as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I can’t go too political because I don’t know enough about the numbers, but I do think clubs in the Premier League and the Premier League themselves have a heart. They understand and I’m sure as we move forward they will be making positive moves on that front.”
Sean Dyche however felt football shouldn’t be the only industry where those at the top financially support those lower down
“But if you are going to apply that rule of thumb, does that mean every hedge fund manager that is incredibly successful, are they going to filter that down to the hedge fund managers that are not so successful?
“There’s lots of different businesses out there making huge sums of money that could therefore protect similar lines of business, but lower down. If you are going to apply it to football, I think you have to apply it across the country to everyone and every business.”
Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony, who described the government’s decision to halt plans for supporters to return to stadiums as “devastating” urged it to offer immediate financial support to EFL clubs.
“We’re talking millions for every club out there. It’s devastating news, particularly with them talking about possibly six months. No business can operate under that.
“When you’re putting one foot forward, suddenly you’re going five steps back. For me, that’s no way to operate.”
He noted that clubs have spent six, seven months playing behind closed doors, adding that those sacrifices hava now been taking away with the latest decision from the government.
“If the UK government want to do this again, it’s time for them to write us a cheque. They’ve got to do it right now. Clubs have got to look after themselves, and their fans who have bought tickets.”
