Hopes of return to football stadiums dashed for Blackpool and Fleetwood Town fans - what Michael Gove said and how it could threaten clubs' futures

Blackpool were one of seven clubs able to host a limited number of fans on Saturday for their League One game against Swindon Town as part of an EFL test event.

Fleetwood, meanwhile, have confirmed they have contacted the EFL to request permission to host fans at Highbury for this weekend's game against AFC Wimbledon.

The fan pilots at the weekend appeared to be a success, generating hope that fans could soon return in greater numbers as part of a phased approach.

Indeed, the government themselves had set a target date of October 1 for the return of spectators to sporting events.

However, that date has now been postponed with numerous national reports suggesting that the government are set to tell clubs that fans will not be allowed to attend elite sporting fixtures next month.

In addition, no further pilot events will be held, at a time where the number of coronavirus cases is rising rapidly.

The plans will have to be temporarily shelved, with government minister Michael Gove confirming the plans have been ‘paused’.

He told BBC Breakfast: “It was the case that we were looking at a staged programme of more people returning, it wasn't going to be the case that we were going to have stadiums thronged with fans.

“We're looking at how we can for the moment pause that programme.

"But what we do want to do is to make sure is that as and when circumstances allow get more people back.

"We have to look at sporting events with caution."

Some reports have suggested that this is unlikely to be a temporary pause, and could stretch into 2021.

But that is yet to be confirmed, with Boris Johnson set to lay out his plans for the coming months after a meeting with government officials on Tuesday morning.

Today's decision will impact ‘elite’ teams which include part-time teams below the fifth tier of English football.

Such a move puts the future of clubs in jeopardy with matchday income and commercial opportunities brought about by fans attending matches, a crucial revenue stream.

More than 100 sporting bodies have expressed their concern about further restrictions and the need for financial aid to the Prime Minister in a letter.

It read: “Covid-19 has undermined our commercial revenue streams with both stadiums and leisure facilities closed or greatly reduced in capacity.

"The impact of this will potentially lead to a lost generation of sport and activity.

"We are particularly concerned about the impact on those whose participation has been limited during the pandemic. Physical activity levels, especially in the most vulnerable groups, are significantly below where they were tracking pre-Covid-19.

“Our sector will be at the forefront of your plans to improve the health and wellbeing of all communities…to solving societal issues…including reducing health inequalities, tackling obesity, cutting crime, easing loneliness, and enhancing social cohesion.

“But to do so effectively, we require your government's backing.”