UEFA have released much needed funding to help mitigate the financial ruin that Scottish clubs face in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic shutting down football for the foreseeable future.
As reported by the Daily Record, the SPFL have received a payment of £3.75m to be split amongst member clubs in an attempt to secure their futures for when football is safe to return. A total of £206m has been set aside from funding to help deal with the financial strain caused by COVID-19.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has insisted that football must be ready to return when possible and the payment will give clubs aid in the meantime before it is safe to return to training.
“Our sport is facing an unprecedented challenge brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. UEFA wants to help its members to respond in ways that are appropriate to their specific circumstances.
“As a result, we have agreed that up to £3.75m per association, paid for the remainder of this season and next, as well as part of the investment funding, can be used as our members see fit to rebuild the football community.
“I believe this is a responsible decision to help as much as we can; and I am proud of the unity that football is showing throughout this crisis.
“Without doubt, football will be at the heart of life returning to normal. When that time comes, football must be ready to answer that call.”
Elsewhere, Dutch footballing authorities have asked the Dutch Government for a financial bailout of €400m to offset the losses incurred as a result of the global pandemic. This bailout may be something that Scottish football bosses may consider requesting as around 55% of revenue in Scotland comes from match days.
The Dutch authorities are currently dealing with calls to reverse their controversial decision to declare the league over with no winners and no relegation.
UEFA have remained tightlipped over the fate of top leagues so far with Belgium and the Dutch having made decisions regarding the fate of the league. Celtic are 13 points clear at the summit of the SPFL and it is imagined that until the reconstruction talks are completed, there will be no decision on whether Celtic will be declared Champions or not.
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
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