'Clubs are actively preparing to cease playing': Government minister Oliver Dowden warned about the stark reality facing clubs without fans

That’s according to a letter co-signed by 17 individuals including former FA chairman Greg Dyke and Lord Triesman and pundit Robbie Savage.

The letter, written to culture secretary Oliver Downden, warns that help is urgently needed for clubs in the EFL and the non-league pyramid to warn off the threat of financial collapse.

It follows last week’s government announcement that plans for the return of spectators to sporting venues from October 1 will be scrapped due to the rising number of coronavirus cases.

Dowden has been told that, without some sort of rescue package from either the government or Premier League clubs, a number of clubs will go to the wall.

“Without any plans being made to rescue clubs, many in the EFL and others in the National League as well, are now actively preparing to make all but essential staff redundant, cease playing, close down their youth academies and community foundations, and put their business into administration,” the letter warns.

“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.

“These are decisions that will be made in the coming weeks, with many clubs unable to meet their payroll obligations for next month.”

The government needed to set out what financial support it could offer, the letter said, because it was “not the sole responsibility” of the Premier League to bail out those lower down the pyramid.

It pointed out that Premier League clubs too “face swingeing losses from lost ticketing receipts and falling revenues from broadcasting matches”.

The letter referenced the £1.5bn rescue package for the arts sector and added: “We would ask that the government now make clear what financial support it’s prepared to give before it is too late.”

Dowden said on Sunday that the Premier League needed to “step up to the plate” to help clubs in the EFL and said he was hopeful of a deal being agreed this week.