England’s second-tier Championship has secured a funding package worth more than $A210 million to help clubs amid a downturn in revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.
There have been no spectators for matches in the division for the equivalent of a full season since the coronavirus outbreak.
Clubs in the 24-team league have lost around $260 million in gate receipts as well as other match-day revenue streams.
“The support will be pivotal to clubs being able to re-evaluate their financial position,” English Football League chairman Rick Parry.
“And help them start to plot their way out of the pandemic and plan with greater certainty for 2021/22 when we are hoping for the return of fans in large numbers.”
The Premier League committed to paying up to $A26 million in support of the EFL securing the loan facility, the EFL said.
The top-flight has previously made up to nearly $A91 million in financial aid available to clubs in the third and fourth tiers of English soccer to help cover costs during the pandemic.