Premier League and EFL agree £250m rescue package
A rescue package worth £250million has been agreed between the Premier League and the EFL.
The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) have agreed a £250million (277M euros) rescue package to help clubs overcome the financial challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.
Championship clubs will have access to a £200M (222M euro) pool of interest-free loan funds, while a £50m grant will be made available for those in League One and Two. Loans to second-tier clubs will be capped at £8.33m and would have to be repaid by June 2024. EFL chairman Rick Parry welcomed the resolution after lengthy discussions.
Related stories
"Our over-arching aim throughout this process has been to ensure that all EFL clubs survive the financial impact of the pandemic," he said. "I am pleased that we have now reached a resolution on behalf of our clubs and as we have maintained throughout this will provide much-needed support and clarity following months of uncertainty."
The @EFL and the Premier League have today concluded negotiations on a rescue package and distress fund to address the immediate financial challenges faced by EFL clubs arising as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic
— Premier League (@premierleague) December 3, 2020
Full statement: https://t.co/fk8KyRyXSQ pic.twitter.com/d8AUwgz7tP
Limited number of fans back in the stands
Fans returned to some Football League grounds this week after England's national lockdown was replaced by a tier system. However, with attendances limited by social-distancing measures, clubs are unlikely to profit from staging matches under such circumstances. It is hoped that the deal agreed on Thursday will prevent the worst-case scenario of clubs going out of business.