COVID-19: Football bosses hold 'positive' talks with government on getting fans back into stadiums
Talks are ongoing but it is understood the government will assess the situation in the run up to the end of the national lockdown.
Tuesday 17 November 2020 16:59, UK
Football bosses have held "positive" talks with the government about plans to get fans back into stadiums.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden led a virtual summit over the future of English football on Tuesday, with the FA, Premier League, EFL, Kick It Out and other fan groups.
Talks are ongoing but it is understood the government will assess the situation in the run up to the end of the second England lockdown on 2 December.
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Fans have been prevented from attending professional matches since March, leading to an unprecedented financial crisis.
The one-hour talks were described as "positive" and "constructive" with football leaders pitching ideas on how they can welcome fans once again in England and reform club finances.
It is hoped the talks will unify the various football bodies after weeks of strain.
English football is thought to be losing around £100m-a-month due to the coronavirus pandemic and reduced matchday revenue.
The Premier League and the English Football League (EFL) are yet to finalise a multi-million COVID-19 bailout for struggling lower-league clubs after months of talks and several proposals.
Meanwhile, the FA is searching for a new chairman after Greg Clarke was sacked for his offensive comments about footballers from different ethnic backgrounds.
The governing body is expected to announce further details on the search for a new FA chair later this week.
It is understood the summit also focused on other pressing issues including diversity, equality and the development of the women's game.