Premier League chief provides major update on financial package for EFL clubs

Nottingham Forest and the rest of the English Football League have been without matchday income since March

Chief executive Richard Masters says the Premier League will not issue a financial rescue package to the English Football League until plans are in place for the 2020/21 season.

EFL chairman Rick Parry revealed earlier this month that the three divisions below the top tier faced a £200m financial blackhole by September, as a result of the season being halted.

Nottingham Forest have been out of action since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, though have returned to non-contact training this week.

With a near three-month gap in the campaign, clubs in League One and League Two, in particular, are fearing for their futures due to the loss of matchday revenue.

League Two have opted to curtail their season as a result, whilst League One clubs remain in deadlock over whether to play out the remaining games.

There have been suggestions and calls for the Premier League to deliver a rescue package to help EFL clubs - which former Manchester United captain and Salford City owner Gary Neville has been particularly vocal about.

However, Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, has insisted no further funds will be distributed until the top-flight has their own finances in order for next term.

“Let me explain, at the moment we are dealing with our own financial situation," Masters told Sky Sports.

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"Until we have been able to get back playing, until we have a clear plan to start the season in 2021, we are dealing with our situations.

“At the moment, we have made good all of our solidarity payments to the pyramid for 2019/20 and we have forwarded a big chunk of next year’s revenue forward and we are committed to completing that.

“But I think what we have to get ourselves into is a situation where we are sure of the Premier League’s financial situation at a time where clubs are suffering significant revenue losses before we return to that topic.”

On calls for the Premier League to offer more support to the EFL, he added: “At the moment, the best thing we can do is to get back playing because that is what we can focus on.

"What we need to ensure is that we know our financial situation before we get to that topic.”