'Disaster looms for many clubs' - shock reaction from football community as National League season is under-threat

The news has been met with concern, particularly by non-league clubs, including Chesterfield, with chief executive John Croot saying he was “gobsmacked” as there had been no prior warning about it.

He also said everyone at the club will do their “damndest” to ensure the Spireites survive but added that financial assistance from either the government or football authorities would be needed.

The Blues were only two hours away from putting tickets for the first two home matches on sale when cabinet office minister, Michael Gove, made the announcement during a television interview, which was later confirmed by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

So what happens now?

The National League board is set to meet on Thursday to discuss whether the new season can get underway on October 3.

It has been reported that the National League has already told clubs that the season will not start without fans because of the importance of matchday income.

If that is the case, then the likelihood is that the start of the campaign will be delayed until the government gives the go-ahead for supporters to return.

If the season does start without fans, then the possibility of supporters paying to watch a match online has been suggested but doesn’t appear to have developed any further than that.

Like Mr Croot, many believe that an emergency financial package from the government is needed.

The last resort would be to cancel the season altogether, but it can’t be ruled out at this stage.

One stumbling block for the National League is that the Football Association defines football at this level as ‘elite sport’ which means clubs can’t let fans into stadiums, but those below the National League North/South divisions can. If the FA reclassify it as ‘non elite’ then the doors will be open for a restricted number of spectators to return with social distancing in place.

What has been said so far?

Boris Johnson

"We have to acknowledge the spread of the virus is now affecting our ability to reopen large sporting events.

"We will not be able to do this from October 1 and I recognise the implications for our sports clubs, which are the life and soul of our communities.

"The chancellor and the culture secretary are working urgently on what we can do now to support them."

Dover Athletic chairman, Jim Parmenter

“At present, we do not know what the plans for the National League season are, but we believe that the most likely outcome is a delay to the start of the fixtures.

“Unless funding is provided by the government, football behind closed doors is not sustainable at our level.

“We will oppose any attempt to start the season behind closed doors.”

Sky Sports presenter and Hartlepool United president, Jeff Stelling

“Clubs at National League level can’t play without crowds. I suspect this season will not happen at all and that means lost livelihoods for those involved, lost clubs for communities. “

Jim White, columnist for The Telegraph

“Just spoken to the chairman of a National League side. The league has said it is now not going to start without fans. But furlough ends next month. Which means there is going to be wholesale redundancy for players, coaching staff and administrators. Disaster looms for many clubs.”

Dan Roan, BBC Sport journalist

“This is grim news for British sport, which teeters on the brink of an unprecedented crisis.

“From non-league football and Olympic sports through to grassroots clubs and community leisure facilities, the sector fears an existential crisis which could cost thousands of jobs, and result in a slump in participation.

“Pressure will now build on the government to come up with a similar emergency fund to the £1.57bn bail-out the arts sector was handed in the summer. Calls for the Premier League to help prop up the football pyramid will also intensify.”