EFL, suburban football leagues fear 2020 season could be lost due to crippling financial impact of coronavirus
Players, supporters and officials of Melbourne leagues are itching for a mid-year return. But a major stumbling block stands in their way — even if they are given the all clear to play.
East
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Football might not return to the suburbs this year even if competitions get the all clear to play with the expected ban on supporters attending too much of a financial burden for clubs.
One senior league official told the Leader running a season would not be financially viable without supporters, with clubs relying heavily on gate takings and bar and food sales.
Finals revenue is crucial to the operation of all leagues, and with the make-up of September uncertain, it was suggested entering a season poses as a large risk without the guarantee of that income.
The six metropolitan leagues last met on April 14 with the concept of a half-season kicking off in June emerging as the preferred way forward if any football is to be played.
It has also been advised that the finals format may need an overhaul if supporters are banned from attending.
One idea floated was an English Premier League-type system, where the team which finishes on top of the ladder after the home and away season would be crowned the premier.
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In a statement released by AFL Victoria on Sunday, the governing body said: “Importantly, we have not given up on this season” and that it was working closely with government, medical advisers and the AFL’s chief medical officer “to ensure we have the very latest advice and insight around when we may be able to kick off our game”.
The six suburban leagues are set to meet again on May 12 following the State Government’s plan to lift stage three restrictions on May 11, where financial viability is set to feature among discussions. At present, football is suspended until at least May 31, with all club training, events and usage of grounds and lighting banned.