Chesterfield handed funding boost as Premier League announces £125m financial package for National League and Football League

The Premier League’s shareholders voted unanimously in favour of advancing funds of £125million to the Football League and National League on Friday.

The fund is made up of advanced solidarity payments, parachute payments and academy grants that would typically be paid later in the year.

It is not extra money but it will help short-term.

The figure to keep National League clubs afloat during the pandemic is said to be between £17m and £20m.

The National League season is suspended indefinitely and a number of clubs have been forced to ask staff to take a pay cut and use the government’s job retention scheme.

No decision has been made on whether the National League campaign will resume.

A statement from the Premier League said: “Discussions took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.

“Critically, the league unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time.”

The Premier League will also give £20m to the NHS and vulnerable groups.

“It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019/20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” the statement said.