Nigel Huddleston, the minister for sport, says that Premier League clubs may have to support themselves as the government provides help to those lower down the pyramid.
Huddleston has held talks with governing bodies from across sport in an attempt to assuage fears over finances following the decision to scrap an October return to stadia for fans.
Speaking in parliament, he said it may be a case of top tiers, such as the Premier League, supporting themselves financially in order to prioritise lower-earning leagues that are more dependent on match-day income.
He said: “Football clubs are at the heart of our local communities and many have made their towns globally famous.
“The government has provided an unprecedented package of support to businesses throughout this period and many football clubs have benefited from these measures.
“But we recognise the impact of the decisions this week to delay the reopening of stadia over the winter will have on sport.
“The government will now work at pace with sport to understand the issues faced by organisations facing the most challenging circumstances and assess what further support may be required.
“Where it can, we will expect the top tiers of professional sport to look at ways in which it can support itself with government focussing on those most in need.”
MP Damian Collins subsequently pressed Huddleston on what could be done to help prevent EFL clubs from going out of business.
Huddleston said he had asked governing bodies to provide information of any clubs under imminent financial threat.
He said: “I have mentioned earlier that were in discussions with major sports, including football bodies.
“Yesterday I wrote to the governing of all major spectator sports to formally begin discussions and provide them with a contact point in DCMS.
“I also asked the governing bodies to provide me with details of any member clubs or associations under imminent threat and will be providing more information in due course.”
