EFL 'disappointed' and 'deeply frustrated' by government's decision to halt the return of fans to football grounds

The outlook for football clubs in the EFL will be “very challenging” unless the government is able to quickly address the financial damage caused by games continuing to be played behind closed doors.

That’s according to EFL chair Rick Parry, who spoke of the organisation’s disappointment and frustration at the government’s recent decision to block the planned return of spectators in a forthright statement.

Parry claims clubs in the EFL lost £50m as a result of ending the season without fans in attendance, going on to suggest there will be a further £200m black hole this coming season unless supporters are allowed to return.

It comes after Blackpool were one of seven clubs to host a limited number of fans last weekend as part of the EFL’s pilot events.

Fleetwood Town were also hoping to welcome 1,000 fans back to Highbury this weekend for their League One game against AFC Wimbledon.

The government had initially proposed to welcome fans back to grounds on a permanent basis from October 1, but these plans have now been scrapped as a result of the recent spike in coronavirus cases.

EFL chair Rick Parry said: “Following the successful return of supporters to seven fixtures on Saturday, the EFL is disappointed at yesterday’s decision to suspend plans for the return of fans to matches.

“Of course we recognise that the UK is facing a significant public health crisis and that sport has to play its part in helping the Government manage the spread of the virus at this difficult time.

“This is why over many months we have helped the Government devise, refine and pilot stringent stadium protocols designed to keep supporters safe. Staging professional football matches is one of the most heavily regulated areas of crowd management and any supporters attending EFL fixtures, in vastly reduced numbers, would have been required to adhere to social distancing and the rule of six.

“Therefore we are deeply frustrated that we will not be able to continue this work and, in doing so, gather the evidence to show that crowds can return safely to football and become an important financial lifeline for our clubs.

“Therefore, as a matter of urgency we now need to understand what the Government’s roadmap is for getting supporters back into stadiums as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.

“With extended measures introduced, it is imperative that the financial issues facing our clubs are addressed quickly. EFL clubs lost £50m last season as a result of playing matches behind closed doors or curtailing the season and stand to lose a further £200m in 2020/21 should we be required to play the whole season without supporters in grounds.

“I am encouraged that the Government has recognised the need for urgent financial assistance for sport and discussions will continue with DCMS and the Premier League.

“We remain optimistic that a solution will be found but we should also be very clear that if it is not, then the outlook for many clubs in the period ahead will be very challenging.”