The Football Association has warned new COVID-19 restrictions will have a huge impact on the game, with clubs facing the bleak prospect of six more months in empty stadiums. A plan to bring fans back into English sports venues on a socially distanced basis from October 1 has been scrapped because of fears over rising infection numbers. PM Boris Johnson said the measures announced on Tuesday could stay in place for six months.

It is a devastating blow to sporting organisations, many of whom rely heavily on match-day revenue for survival, and there have been calls from governing bodies for emergency funding. The FA said financial help was vital to help clubs survive. "We understand the government's decision, as the health of the nation is the priority," the FA said in a statement.