Huddersfield owner says 50 or 60 clubs could go bust in next year

LONDON, (Reuters) – Up to 60 English lower league soccer clubs could go out of business if the sport fails to plan for the impact of COVID-19 beyond the current season, Huddersfield Town owner Phil Hodgkinson said on Sunday.

Championship (second tier) clubs are due to return to training in small groups today, with hopes of completing the season behind closed doors.

“There are clubs I know of that are only still trading because they are deferring wages and (tax) and other creditors.

Hodgkinson said the worst case scenario would be playing next season without fans allowed to attend matches, leaving many clubs without their major source of income.

“There is an absolutely real, stark probability that if something isn’t agreed now within football to ensure all clubs can pay their bills and get through to the point where income is resumed, you will be looking at 50 or 60 clubs ceasing to exist,” said Hodgkinson.