FA chief Clarke fears clubs and leagues will go bust if football doesn't 'share the pain' of COVID-19

Chairman across the country have warned of the perils football faces if the season does not resume soon with clubs teetering on the brink of financial oblivion due to the loss of valuable income.

That especially applies to teams in the lower leagues and below, although Cobblers chairman Kelvin Thomas has reassured Town fans that their club enters this unprecedented situation in a 'relatively strong position'.

The Premier League last week advanced funds of £125m to the three EFL divisions but Clarke has called on the game's authorities to do more.

"We face the danger of losing clubs and leagues as finances collapse," he warned. "Many communities could lose the clubs at their heart with little chance of resurrection.

"In the face of this unprecedented adversity, all the stakeholders within the game from players, fans, clubs, owners and administrators need to step up and share the pain to keep the game alive.

"Everyone should understand that the Premier League clubs are not immune from the impact of this and whilst they are impacted to different degrees depending on their cost base, the potential overall financial impact is huge.

"We must have a plan to ensure that English football is not decimated should this season be lost and next season blighted.

"Those that lost their clubs because English football did not rise to the challenge would rightly judge us harshly.

"Time is pressing as football burns through its cash reserves with no sign yet of a resumption of the game. Pointing fingers serves no purpose.

"It is time for the stakeholders to agree common cause to save our game. Contribute. Football is a team game and now is the time for teamwork.

"The FA looks forward to working with all football stakeholders to safeguard the future of our game.

"We live in uncertain times and our priority is to support the Government’s public health initiatives.

"The wellbeing of all of us, and especially our most vulnerable members, must be our focus and the Government’s instructions regarding social distancing are our route to safety.

"However, football needs to pay attention to the economic effects of the pandemic as well as rigorously following public health guidance."