Calls for new fund to support football clubs amid closed-doors
Scottish Labour say community work done by clubs across Scotland could be put in jeopardy
Last updated 30th Sep 2020
The Scottish Government is being urged to set up a new football aid fund to help struggling clubs deal with the loss of ticket income during the coronavirus pandemic.
Some chairmen estimate that turnstile revenue accounts for around half of their funding, and with no fans at present, the lower leagues in particular are set to be hit hard.
Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard said the lack of fans in games is a "devastating blow" to clubs' incomes - warning some could even go bust as a result.
Elgin City chairman Graham Tatters claims they could be left in a perilous state by as early as March.
Speaking to MFR News he said: "If we're going to start the season off (in October) we need some sort of revenue stream
"We're looking at a few things, but we need some support given that we rely on the fans for around 45% of our income
"...the Government's got to make that decision. If they want football clubs to be part of the community..." - Elgin City chairman Graham Tatters
"The SPFL have asked us to submit all our figures to the Scottish Government (for season 18-19) and they want to issue a paper on the situation to them, but I'm sure the Scottish Government's already aware of the situation faced without having supporters
"Even some of the larger clubs, but certainly the lower league, without crowds, without revenue, hemoraging money, we can't last until March
"We'll need some sort of support, but we've got to watch we don't get carried away, because I'm sure several other sectors are asking for the same"
Scottish Labour say in order to tackle this a "generous system of grants" should be in place, with Mr Leonard calling on ministers to set up a Scottish football aid fund "without delay".
With that in mind, non-league, semi-pro and community clubs would be prioritised for funding, but Labour believes professional clubs could be eligible for assistance - particularly to help with community outreach projects.
Mr Leonard said: "The absence of crowds is a devastating blow to the incomes and even survival hopes of many clubs, the length and breadth of Scotland"
"Losing the all-important ticket money, matchday programme sales and income from pre-match and half-time refreshments will continue to bite in the weeks and months ahead"
Mr Leonard warned community work done by clubs across Scotland could be put in jeopardy without support, with the Elgin City chairman citing around 200 youngsters involved in community schemes at Borough Briggs.
The Scottish Labour leader believes football is vital part of the social fabric, with Mr Tatters also highlighting the support within the community and the mental health benefits of enjoying the game as fans.
He said: "It's all I live for now, and you can't afford to lose something that's been around since 1893 just because it's needing a little bit of support
"I don't want to scare people by saying that, but the Government's got to make that decision. If they want football clubs to be part of the community, then they're going to have to support us"
"It's not like we aren't trying, we've a number of initiatives in order to generate revenue, but so is everyone else
"As it stands at present it's unsustainable, completely unsustainable"
The Scottish Labour leader has said: "No-one wants to see football clubs go bust, but that is exactly the danger facing our beautiful game unless a generous system of grants is put in place"