Premier League announce £125million funding package to help EFL and National League clubs including Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool United

All football is on hold as the county battles the disease with the original date of April 30 already put back, with officials making it clear football won’t return until it is safe to do so.

Clubs across the football league pyramid are facing financial problems with cashflow issues as a result of the 2019-20 campaign being suspended.

There is a will to complete the season but it is not yet clear when that will be a realistic goal.

Newcastle United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and National League Hartlepool United have all placed a number of non-playing staff across departments on furlough leave already.

But the Premier League has now announced a funding boost for the lower leagues, with the EFL and National League set to receive funding worth £125million.

It is not yet clear how that would be distributed on a short-term basis to help clubs survive and to ensure there is a football pyramid to return to when football resumes.

In a lengthy statement announcing a range of measures, the Premier League said: “Discussions also 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.”

Premier League players could be asked to take a 30% pay cut.

The statement added: “In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30% of total annual remuneration.

“This guidance will be kept under constant review.

“The League will be in regular contact with the PFA, and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.”