AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan guarantees all 18 clubs will survive COVID-19 hiatus
It is in the back of the mind for all footy fans. Will my club survive the COVID-19 hiatus? Now Gillon McLachlan has given an insight into the league’s long-term plan for the future.
AFL News
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan has guaranteed all 18 clubs will survive the COVID-19 hiatus, moving to silence speculation around cash-strapped clubs could be forced to merge or become insolvent.
North Melbourne, Melbourne, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and expansion clubs GWS Giants and Gold Coast are among clubs most exposed to the financial cost of the global health emergency.
But McLachlan has refused to add to the speculation.
Relive classic AFL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“We’re going into this with 18 clubs and we’ll go out with 18 clubs,” McLachlan said on SEN.
“That’s our commitment over the next four, six, eight, 10 months (however long it takes to get back to playing).
“Right now our task is to preserve revenue streams, cut costs … so when we can restart … (we restart) with 18 teams.”
It comes after the AFL secured a huge line of credit, more than $500m reportedly, from the NAB and ANZ banks to cover costs and keep the game going.
The AFL-owned Marvel Stadium was used to broker the landmark deal.
“Our game is going to be here … and I can assure everyone, our game will come out the other side,” he said.
MORE AFL
Cricket’s Big Bash League scuppers hopes of December AFL finals at Marvel Stadium
AFL CEO taskforce set up to examine the future of club football departments
Russell Gould ranks the 20 best Essendon players of the past 30 years
“Whatever time we come back our game will return (AFL and community level).
“We got a good balance sheet, whether it should be bigger or smaller … for any business, no matter how big it is, when it stops and there are no games and no revenues, it is hugely challenging.
“I’m not complaining I’m just explaining.”