Fans 'facing ballots' to watch their teams as clubs prepare for vastly-reduced crowds

Fans are reportedly facing random ballots to watch their teams in person next season as clubs prepare for vastly-reduced crowds inside stadiums.

Clubs have been warned they face playing the entirety of the next campaign without being allowed a capacity crowd amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

While infection rate is falling across the country, social distancing measures are likely to remain in place for months to come, meaning any attendances are likely to be significantly reduced.

Next season is likely to kick off behind closed doors - the same way in which the current Premier League campaign will complete - but there are hopes reduced numbers of fans could be allowed into grounds in the second half of 2020-21.

It could see season ticket holders or members balloted to ascertain which fans are allowed inside stadiums to watch their sides, report The Sun.

The warning has come from the Premier League's chief medical officer Mark Gillett who doesn't expect the public health outlook to change for 'the next six to 12 months'.

While money taken through the turnstile doesn't account for as much of most clubs' revenue as broadcasting and commercial income, it could still leave a huge hole in finances.

Some clubs at the top end of the Premier League take around a quarter of their earnings in ticket and other matchday sales, which could leave them facing a £100million shortfall.

It makes up a smaller chunk of overall revenue for clubs with smaller stadiums but all sides will need to cut their cloth accordingly.

The worst-case scenario is a ruling that would see all fans banned from grounds until a vaccine for coronavirus is available on a widespread basis.