The SPFL have told lower league clubs the government’s job retention scheme could act as a life raft to see out the shutdown.
League chiefs held a 42 club conference call this afternoon where they addressed some of the huge concerns in the game amid the cornavirus outbreak.
Chief executive Neil Doncaster insisted moves were being made to secure commercial agreements for next term but the issue surrounding the remainder of the campaign remains on hold – with continued guidance from UEFA.
But lower league clubs have been given encouragement with suggestions they could be bailed out by Westminster’s emergency fund where employees will be furloughed but will get 80 percent of their wages from the government.
There is a limit set of £2,500 on earnings but it would cover the sides in Leagues One and Two as well as a large amount of players in the Championship and even some in the top flight.
Players would have to alter the current terms of their contracts to fall in to the scheme – or the would have the option of going through a redundancy process or have their contracts ripped up.
Today's summit also addressed the prospect of advancing money due from the league and also the possibility of extending the transfer window, along with a warning the game could be in cold storage until August.
But no move has yet been made either to declare the current campaign over and the intention remains to see out the season whenever that will be safely possible.
English football chiefs today warned difficult decisions will need to be taken to soften the massive economic blow to the game down south.
Several clubs have already taken wage cuts, such as Leeds United and Birmingham City, but others are predicting serious financial problems the longer the lockdown continues.
The EPL, EFL and PFA held crunch talks yesterday and said in a joint statement: “It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans.”
