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EFL details £50m relief package for clubs

The English Football League (EFL) has announced measures to introduce a £50m (€53m/$58m) short-term relief package to assist clubs with cash flow in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

The EFL said that while there is “no one single solution”, the package will look to support clubs in the immediate future amid uncertainty over when, if at all, the season will resume. Last week, the EFL, along with the Premier League, postponed all matches until at least April 3 due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The EFL board met yesterday (Wednesday) to discuss the implications of the outbreak for the league and its clubs. The board acknowledged the “positive role” member clubs are playing in community solidarity during this period of uncertainty.

The £50m fund will see the remaining basic award payments advanced to clubs immediately, with the remainder made up through interest-free loan facility available to clubs, calculated in line with the EFL’s Article of Associations.

The cash injection will form part of a range of measures that will include potential government support to help clubs and their associated businesses.

In terms of the 2019-20 schedule, the EFL said its primary objective is to deliver a successful end to the season – subject to the overriding priority around health and well-being. The EFL will continue to make plans on the agreed principle that it is in the best interest of the league and clubs to complete the current season “at the appropriate time”.

The EFL has however been forced to postpone the EFL Trophy Final between Portsmouth and Salford City, which had been planned for April 5 at Wembley Stadium.

A dedicated EFL taskforce has been set up to review the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on clubs and competitions.

Image: EFL