Leeds United face losing a quarter of their income if behind-closed-doors games become the norm.
The Championship is set to return on June 20 after more than three months away due to the coronavirus pandemic with games being played behind closed doors.
But the lack of fans could be a problem for Leeds, who rely on money brought in on match days for a large chunk of their income.
Leeds’ accounts for the 2018/19 season - the latest published - show that they had a turnover of £48.92m, and just over a quarter of that (26%) came from matchdays - a total of £12.61m.
Only four Championship clubs last season got a larger percentage of overall turnover from matchdays - Millwall (31%), Nottingham Forest (30%), Norwich (29%) and Sheffield United (28%).
The absence of crowds at home games could cost Leeds over £2m this season alone.
United played 26 home games in 2018/19, which suggests they earned an average of £485,108 in each one.
As Marcelo Bielsa's men approach the restart, there are still five home league games remaining this season, which works out at a loss of £2.43m.
Leeds were already paying out almost as much in wages than they earned, even with matchday income coming into the club with the club’s wage bill coming to £46.16m last season, according to the accounts.
That works out at 94% of turnover in 2018/19, but they now face a fresh blow which will come as a real concern for stakeholders at Elland Road, even with a treasure chest in the form of the Premier League waiting on the horizon.
