Frank Lampard has called on Premier League clubs to prove they “have a heart” by producing a rescue package for the crisis-hit EFL.
Chelsea boss Lampard’s plea to League bosses came after the Government delivered devastating news to all sports by putting the return of fans on hold because of the coronavirus crisis.
EFL clubs fear they could go out of business unless they get some financial help while rugby stands to lose millions as the Government held emergency talks with all major sporting bodies after the bombshell news.
Premier League chiefs have held discussions about an emergency bail out for the EFL which would be believed to be a loan but it is understood there is a split among some clubs who believe they need to look after themselves first.
But Lampard, who began his playing career with a loan spell at Swansea and also managed Derby before taking over at Chelsea last year, said: “I do think clubs in the Premier League and the Premier League themselves have a heart.
“They understand that and I'm sure as we move forward they will be making positive moves on that front.
“I think it's important that the Premier League as a collective looks at supporting the EFL, the leagues below and grassroots football absolutely, of course. Because that's the base of why we're all here.
“We all started - well I did and (a lot) of the young players started in Sunday league football.
"I've managed in the Championship so I know the difficulties because I was very close with Mel Morris and I understand a lot of the difficulties a lot of the clubs are having.”
The Government are understood to be making it clear to football that they must help each other out and the Premier League have already brought forward some payments to the EFL.
Football was hoping fans could return from October 1 and gate receipts would be a lifeline to EFL clubs.
But Ministers insist that while Premier League clubs spend hundreds of millions on transfers - Chelsea have spent £200m this summer - they cannot plead poverty.
Lampard defended Chelsea on that moral argument with a little dig at clubs who did a U-turn on furloughing staff.
Lampard added: “Firstly on a personal note, as manager of this team, the pride I had with how we dealt with the covid situation in the beginning of not furloughing staff or not mentioning that we would and then retracting that statement.
“Making the hotel at Chelsea a hospital for NHS workers to stay in, making considerable donations to charity etc. I thought the club covered itself very, very well. In terms of the football itself and sport.”
Racing has had to ditch plans to stage this Thursday’s meeting at Newmarket with fans and it will now be behind closed doors.
David Armstrong, Chief Executive of the RCA, said: “”All sports are suffering from the effect of zero admissions income and racing is no different.”
Rugby’s autumn Tests and Six Nations will be played behind closed doors which is another huge blow to the RFU while Premiership clubs fear they will go to the wall without fans.
