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The FA has announced that approval has been reached with the government and the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) for non-league clubs to admit spectators on the same principles as elite clubs, in a move which could prove a vital lifeline to struggling sides. 

2020 has been a uniquely tough year with public health protocols meaning many football fans feel more isolated than ever.

As England moves out of its second lockdown, this week sees the first steps of fans returning to stadiums in elite sport since March, along with a return of fans to non-elite sport at Steps 3 and below of the non-league pyramid who had been attending matches since earlier in the autumn.

Following the end of lockdown and the Government announcement of its new three tier system of local restrictions, non-league clubs and leagues face a number of issues, and clarification on the rules to be implemented throughout the non-league system will be vital to some clubs’ continued existence.

Streaming games has become a new way of life for fans in the EFL following the decision to start the season behind-closed-doors, but how are the streaming platforms coping with the new influx of users? We are asking fans of EFL clubs to let us know about their experiences in a new survey, the results of which will be fed back to the EFL.

MPs have told Premier League and EFL football chiefs they are “on notice” to end the “current fiasco” which has seen many lower league clubs teetering on the brink of survival.

A survey by international players’ union FIFPro has highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on the women’s game. Based on data collected by player unions in 62 countries, the survey shows a disproportionate impact of wage cuts and reduced support, which threatens to slow the recent development of the game.

Rick Parry (chairman, EFL), Richard Masters (chief executive, Premier League), Greg Clarke (chairman, FA) faced the Culture, Media, and Sport Select Committee today (Tuesday 10th November 2020) in a wide-ranging discussion.

MPs once again grilled the Government on its stance that, prior to the latest national lockdown, barred football fans from returning to stadiums.

A mixture of patchwork local restrictions and lack of a uniform approach to dealing with COVID-19 threatens the future of non-league clubs this season, as additional measures brought in to quell the pandemic in different regions are leaving an uneven playing field. 

Chester FC have written to the National League to ask for clarification on how the financial support package announced yesterday was determined, following a deal between the league and the National Lottery to provide emergency funding to clubs.

A petition to get fans back into football grounds in line with other sectors of the economy has secured a Parliamentary debate after reaching almost 200,000 signatures.

Newcastle United fans are still waiting on an estimated £7m worth of season ticket refunds – and now supporters are calling for urgent action from the Premier League club.

The fan groups of the six leading Premier League clubs widely reported to be behind the instigation of ‘Project Big Picture’ have united to denounce the plans, saying they are “totally opposed” to the concentration of power in the hands of six billionaire owners, and attacking the proposals for their lack of consultation. 

Football is in crisis, many clubs desperately need financial support to help them survive, and the game’s wealth has to be shared more fairly – but the ‘Project Big Picture’ plans are not the answer and they would be an absolute disaster for our game.

The Premier League, EFL, FA, Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship have released a joint open letter to supporters reaffirming their commitment to getting fans back into stadiums – and doing it safely.

With football’s finances in a precarious state due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the FSA’s head of governance Ashley Brown has highlighted some of the key things to watch out for that may indicate your club is heading down the road to become the next Bury or Macclesfield Town…

Three of the biggest Northern Premier League clubs have joined forces to write to the Government warning that they face financial ruin if urgent measures are not taken.

The sports minister today confirmed that the Government will intervene to help non-league clubs survive the COVID-19 crisis – but he expects the Premier League to bail out the EFL.

The Government has been warned that the country’s historic league structure is on the verge of collapse and help is desperately needed.