EFL united as they reject Premier League’s £50m bailout offer

The top division proposed a £50m package of financial support to help clubs through the Covid-19 pandemic, but it would only be available to those in the third and fourth tiers – in Yorkshire’s case Doncaster Rovers, Hull City, Bradford City and Harrogate Town.

The EFL, which says it needs £250m, has said thanks but no thanks, adamant the Championship must be included. They implied clubs thought the Premier League was trying to divide and rule.

“The need for continued unity was fundamental to discussions across all three divisions, and there was a strong consensus that any rescue package must meet the requirements of all 72 clubs before it can be considered in full,” said a statement.

“While EFL clubs are appreciative a formal proposal has now been put forward, the conditional offer of £50m falls some way short of this.”

It did however stress it was “keen to continue discussions with the Premier League to reach an agreeable solution that will address the short-term financial needs of all of our clubs and allow us the ability to consider the longer-term economic issues in parallel that specifically look to achieve a more sustainable EFL.”

Clubs across English professional football have been playing behind-closed-doors since the 2019-20 season was put on hold because of coronavirus in March. The Premier League and Championship completed their seasons, but Leagues One and Two felt it was not viable. Whereas the top division commands the world’s most lucrative domestic football broadcasting deal, clubs lower down the pyramid are largely dependent on gate receipts.

This season restarted on the understanding the Government planned to allow limited numbers of fans back in October but in late September, after a number of apparently successful pilots, they decided against.

The Government believes Premier League clubs should use their vast TV income to bail out their brethren, but others feel it is the responsibility of those who applied the restrictions.

As well as being conscious it is losing hundreds of millions of pounds, the Premier League is wary of funding competitors in a division – the Championship – even EFL chairman Rick Parry agrees is not run on sustainable lines.

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James Mitchinson