National League clubs await to hear outcome of crucial funding meeting

National League clubs are anxiously waiting to hear what might happen to the rest of the season if some feel they cannot continue following a funding blow.
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The concerns have come after clubs were informed that money for the next three months, to compensate for the loss of fans not being allowed in stadiums, will be provided in the form of loans rather than grants.

Many clubs were under the impression they would receive grants and say they would not have agreed to start the season had they known this was the case.

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The season got underway in October after the National League secured a £10m grant from the government, in partnership with the National Lottery, for the opening three months of the campaign.

Chesterfield's Technique Stadium.Chesterfield's Technique Stadium.
Chesterfield's Technique Stadium.

That funding has now ended and the government later announced an £11m package for the National League, as part of a wider £300m boost for sport.

The National League held a meeting on Tuesday and are believed to be speaking to clubs on Wednesday to decide the best way forward.

If clubs feel they can’t continue, then the season could be curtailed.

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Chesterfield MP, Toby Perkins, posted on Twitter: “A loan will be bankruptcy delayed for many clubs. @TheVanaramaNL would be in stronger position if they hadn’t made such a mess of original grant distribution but this must be a grant not a loan to support National League clubs like @ChesterfieldFC.”

In a statement, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “It is incorrect to suggest funding was ever promised as grants. Clubs in scope will be assessed for scope on the same criteria as other professional clubs.”