The English Football Association has sparked controversy after a Muslim footballer was stopped from participating in a match for wearing tracks instead of traditional shorts. The incident has reignited discussions about inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in sports, with advocates arguing that women's attire should accommodate personal beliefs and comfort. The FA's decision highlights ongoing debates about diversity and the need for policies that respect players' identities.

English FA: Muslim Footballer Stopped For Wearing Tracks, "Shorts Not A Must For Women"

In an attempt to clamp down online social media abuse against the English players, the Football Association (FA) has funded&nbsp;a special unit within the British police. The officers under the newly formed unit will be able to prosecute anyone who abuses the England players.&nbsp;&nbsp;

FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham informed about the new move which has been well-received within the footballing circles. According to reports, the FA has provided 25,000 pounds ($32,000) to help police.

“In the past what we did was put together all the data, effectively an evidence pack, to give to the police to prosecute. But this time we have gone a stage further where we are actually funding a unit within the British police that will then prosecute," said Bullingham.&nbsp;

"What we don’t want to do is create a pack that we then give to the police for them to prosecute but they don’t have the resource to actually take that forward. So we are paying for the prosecution to then happen and funding the police to make sure if there are instances of the examples we have seen before, they get prosecuted," he further said.

England's top player viz.&nbsp;Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were abused mercilessly by the trolls at the last Euros after they&nbsp;missed penalties in the final of the tournament against Italy.&nbsp;

The British police will also look to set a precedence, especially after three fans&nbsp;in Spain were sentenced to&nbsp;eight months in prison and banned from stadiums for two years for racially abusing Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior at Mestalla.

Apart from the special unit,&nbsp;more than 1,600 England fans with football banning orders had been forced to surrender their passports to the police from June 4 till the final on July 14.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-slam-wayne-rooney-for-lazy-uninformed-opinion-on-england-stars-euro-2024-position-731441">Also read |&nbsp;Fans slam Wayne Rooney for 'lazy, uninformed' opinion on England star's Euro 2024 position</a>

<h2>Security raised&nbsp;</h2>

Security has been raised for England's opening match against Serbia&nbsp;at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen &nbsp;- home to Bundesliga 2 club Schalke, on Sunday (Jun 15).&nbsp;As many as 40,000 English fans are expected to travel to the match while between 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters will also be present in the west German city.

Intel reports indicate that a squad of 500 Serbian hooligans might attempt to engage in a&nbsp;violent confrontation against the English supporters.

Apart from the violence by fans or ultra groups, the organisers are also worried of the risk of a terrorist attack or an attempt by Russia to stir violence.&nbsp;

England's squad for the Euros&nbsp;

Goalkeepers:&nbsp;Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) 
 
Defenders:&nbsp;Lewis Dunk (Brighton &amp; Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) 
 
Midfielders:&nbsp;Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) 
 
Forwards:&nbsp;Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), &nbsp;Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

In an attempt to clamp down online social media abuse against the English players, the Football Association (FA) has funded a special unit within the British police.

In an attempt to clamp down online social media abuse against the English players, the Football Association (FA) has funded a special unit within the British police. The officers under the newly formed unit will be able to prosecute anyone who abuses the England players. FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham informed about the new move which has been well-received within the footballing circles. According to reports, the FA has provided 25,000 pounds ($32,000) to help police. “In the past what we did was put together all the data, effectively an evidence pack, to give to the police to prosecute. But this time we have gone a stage further where we are actually funding a unit within the British police that will then prosecute," said Bullingham. "What we don’t want to do is create a pack that we then give to the police for them to prosecute but they don’t have the resource to actually take that forward. So we are paying for the prosecution to then happen and funding the police to make sure if there are instances of the examples we have seen before, they get prosecuted," he further said. England's top player viz. Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were abused mercilessly by the trolls at the last Euros after they missed penalties in the final of the tournament against Italy. The British police will also look to set a precedence, especially after three fans in Spain were sentenced to eight months in prison and banned from stadiums for two years for racially abusing Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior at Mestalla. Apart from the special unit, more than 1,600 England fans with football banning orders had been forced to surrender their passports to the police from June 4 till the final on July 14. Also read | Fans slam Wayne Rooney for 'lazy, uninformed' opinion on England star's Euro 2024 position Security raised Security has been raised for England's opening match against Serbia at the Veltins Arena, Gelsenkirchen - home to Bundesliga 2 club Schalke, on Sunday (Jun 15). As many as 40,000 English fans are expected to travel to the match while between 5,000 to 8,000 Serbian supporters will also be present in the west German city. Intel reports indicate that a squad of 500 Serbian hooligans might attempt to engage in a violent confrontation against the English supporters. Apart from the violence by fans or ultra groups, the organisers are also worried of the risk of a terrorist attack or an attempt by Russia to stir violence. England's squad for the Euros Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City) Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Euro 2024: Abusing England players online could land fans in trouble. Here's how

Premier League clubs Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been charged by the English FA for failing to handle their players following a brawl last week. The two clubs are now expected to foot a fine and have until Monday to respond.

Premier League clubs Manchester United and Crystal Palace have been charged by the English FA for failing to handle their players following a brawl last week. The two clubs are now expected to foot a fine and have until Monday to respond. "Manchester United FC and Crystal Palace FC have been charged following a mass confrontation between their players in the 67th minute of the Premier League fixture on Saturday 4 February 2023," read a statement by the FA. The FA was especially severe on United after one of its players exhibited violent behaviour during the melee. "It's alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion and/or refrained from provocative behaviour, and it's also alleged that Manchester United FC failed to ensure its players refrained from violent behaviour." Read more: Former Manchester United star convicted for posting homophobic abuse online The incident transpired midway into the second half of the match when United players got enraged following a rash challenge by Palace's Jeffrey Schlupp on Antony. After the challenge, the United players on the pitch as well as the dugout hurtled towards Schlupp who waited for his cavalry to arrive. Soon, the conflict transformed into a 20-man brawl. Raphael Varane, Fred and Casemiro in particular were the most animated during the altercation. Casemiro took things a touch far when he grabbed Palace midfielder Will Hughes by the throat. The VAR intervened and advised on-pitch referee Andre Marriner to give the Brazilian a straight red card. He is now serving a three-match ban. His absence had a sizeable effect on the team's performance when United conceded twice against Leeds United on Wednesday before fashioning a stunning comeback. Read more: 'It's unacceptable...': United manager Erik Ten Hag unimpressed after performance against Leeds After the red card, it was believed that United will appeal the decision. However, earlier this week, manager Erik ten Hag informed that the club was happy with the status quo. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Manchester United and Crystal Palace charged for the brawl by English FA

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag on Wednesday confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will defend himself against the charge of improper conduct levied against him by the English Football Association. Ronaldo was charged by the English FA after he smashed an Everton fan's phone out of his hand in frustration after Manchester United's loss against the club last season.

The incident happened in April this year when Ronaldo was caught on camera knocking a phone out of the hand of an Everton supporter, who was trying to film the United players heading back to the dressing room after their 1-0 defeat. A frustrated Ronaldo slapped the phone out of the young fan's hand leaving him with a bruised hand and a smashed phone.

The Manchester United star was cautioned by the police over the incident before he was charged with a breach of Rule E3 by the English Football Association over his conduct. Amid calls for strict punishment from the fan's mother, Ronaldo has decided to contest the charge.

Manchester United manager Ten Hag said he had a discussion with the Portuguese forward on the matter and he said he will not accept the charge. "We spoke about that. He will not accept it," Ten Hag said confirming Ronaldo's stand on the matter.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/mother-of-fan-whose-phone-was-smashed-by-cristiano-ronaldo-demands-right-punishment-for-man-utd-star-519878">Mother of fan, whose phone was smashed by Cristiano Ronaldo, demands 'right punishment' for Man Utd star</a>

The case will be heard by an FA panel in the upcoming days. Earlier, the mother of the 14-year-old autistic Everton fan Jacob had called for the 'right punishment' for Ronaldo stating that her son still talks about what happened to him that particular day and is yet to have his phone back.

“Let's hope he finally gets the right punishment. He can't keep getting away with it. His behaviour is unacceptable. I'm being hounded by people saying I'm dragging it up again but I didn't know anything about it. He should have been dealt with six months ago. My son talks about what happened to him every day. He still hasn't had his phone back," the 14-year-old's mother Kely had said.

Ronaldo recently scored his 700th career goal in United's 2-1 win against Everton in the Premier League. The Portuguese legend became the first player in history to complete 700 goals in his club career as United bounced back to winning ways after their crushing 6-3 defeat against Manchester City in their last Premier League outing.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/club-is-bigger-than-anything-else-thierry-henry-hits-out-at-kylian-mbappe-amid-psg-exit-rumours-524789">Club is bigger than anything else: Thierry Henry hits out at Kylian Mbappe amid PSG exit rumours</a>

Ronaldo has had a sluggish start to the season but will be hopeful of returning to his best after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Everton. Manchester United manager Ten Hag said he is committed to supporting Ronaldo in getting back to his best suggesting that he is getting in better shape and will contribute more going forward.

"I want to support him as good as possible. So we have a certain demand on players, what we expect from him in certain positions on the pitch and what I do, as with other players, is I want to get the best out of them," said Ten Hag.

"He is getting in better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute more to the squad and I'm sure he will do," he added. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag on Wednesday confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will defend himself against the charge of improper conduct levied against him by the English Football Association.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag on Wednesday confirmed Cristiano Ronaldo will defend himself against the charge of improper conduct levied against him by the English Football Association. Ronaldo was charged by the English FA after he smashed an Everton fan's phone out of his hand in frustration after Manchester United's loss against the club last season. The incident happened in April this year when Ronaldo was caught on camera knocking a phone out of the hand of an Everton supporter, who was trying to film the United players heading back to the dressing room after their 1-0 defeat. A frustrated Ronaldo slapped the phone out of the young fan's hand leaving him with a bruised hand and a smashed phone. The Manchester United star was cautioned by the police over the incident before he was charged with a breach of Rule E3 by the English Football Association over his conduct. Amid calls for strict punishment from the fan's mother, Ronaldo has decided to contest the charge. Manchester United manager Ten Hag said he had a discussion with the Portuguese forward on the matter and he said he will not accept the charge. "We spoke about that. He will not accept it," Ten Hag said confirming Ronaldo's stand on the matter. Also Read: Mother of fan, whose phone was smashed by Cristiano Ronaldo, demands 'right punishment' for Man Utd star The case will be heard by an FA panel in the upcoming days. Earlier, the mother of the 14-year-old autistic Everton fan Jacob had called for the 'right punishment' for Ronaldo stating that her son still talks about what happened to him that particular day and is yet to have his phone back. “Let's hope he finally gets the right punishment. He can't keep getting away with it. His behaviour is unacceptable. I'm being hounded by people saying I'm dragging it up again but I didn't know anything about it. He should have been dealt with six months ago. My son talks about what happened to him every day. He still hasn't had his phone back," the 14-year-old's mother Kely had said. Ronaldo recently scored his 700th career goal in United's 2-1 win against Everton in the Premier League. The Portuguese legend became the first player in history to complete 700 goals in his club career as United bounced back to winning ways after their crushing 6-3 defeat against Manchester City in their last Premier League outing. Also Read: Club is bigger than anything else: Thierry Henry hits out at Kylian Mbappe amid PSG exit rumours Ronaldo has had a sluggish start to the season but will be hopeful of returning to his best after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Everton. Manchester United manager Ten Hag said he is committed to supporting Ronaldo in getting back to his best suggesting that he is getting in better shape and will contribute more going forward. "I want to support him as good as possible. So we have a certain demand on players, what we expect from him in certain positions on the pitch and what I do, as with other players, is I want to get the best out of them," said Ten Hag. "He is getting in better shape now and I am happy with that, so he can contribute more to the squad and I'm sure he will do," he added.

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo set to take on English FA, will contest misconduct charge

Cristiano Ronaldo was charged by the Football Association on Friday in relation to an incident that saw the Manchester United forward apparently knock a phone out of an Everton fan's hand at a Premier League match in April. It is alleged Ronaldo's conduct was improper and/or violent, the governing body said. Ronaldo received a police caution in August after being interviewed by officers in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage following the incident at Goodison Park on April 9.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/spain-womens-national-team-in-spot-of-bother-following-resignation-of-15-players-519022">Spain women's national football team in spot of bother following resignation of 15 players</a>

Footage was posted online of Ronaldo appearing to knock the supporter's mobile phone on to the ground as he walked toward the tunnel following United's 1-0 loss. Under British law, a caution is essentially a warning given out by police for a minor crime if the person admits to the offense. 
After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his outburst&nbsp;and invited the supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.

Cristiano Ronaldo was charged by the Football Association on Friday in relation to an incident that saw the Manchester United forward apparently knock a phone out of an Everton fan's hand at a Premier League match in April.

Cristiano Ronaldo was charged by the Football Association on Friday in relation to an incident that saw the Manchester United forward apparently knock a phone out of an Everton fan's hand at a Premier League match in April. It is alleged Ronaldo's conduct was improper and/or violent, the governing body said. Ronaldo received a police caution in August after being interviewed by officers in relation to an allegation of assault and criminal damage following the incident at Goodison Park on April 9. ALSO READ | Spain women's national football team in spot of bother following resignation of 15 players Footage was posted online of Ronaldo appearing to knock the supporter's mobile phone on to the ground as he walked toward the tunnel following United's 1-0 loss. Under British law, a caution is essentially a warning given out by police for a minor crime if the person admits to the offense. After the incident, Ronaldo issued a social media apology for his outburst and invited the supporter to watch a game at Old Trafford as a sign of fair play and sportsmanship.

Man United star Cristiano Ronaldo charged by English FA for incident at Everton

The Football Association have issued a statement asking England fans to respect the right of players to "take a knee" as a protest against racial injustice, and not boo them before matches at the European Championship.

England players were booed by some fans before two recent friendlies when they knelt - a protest borrowed from American NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and popularised by the Black Lives Matter movement.

"We encourage those that oppose this action to reflect on the message you are sending to the players you are supporting," the FA said ahead of England's opening match of the tournament against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday.

"Please respect their wishes and remember that we should all be united in the fight to tackle discrimination. Together. They will do their best for you. Please do your best for them."

England manager Gareth Southgate, who has participated in the gesture on the touchline, expressed his hope that the nation would unite behind the team during the tournament.

A YouGov poll published this week found that 54% of fans in England supported players "taking the knee" with 39% opposed.

Critics of the protest say it improperly politicises sport and they dislike the gesture's links to the organised element of Black Lives Matter, which some consider a far-left movement imported from the United States.

"Fans understand perfectly well ... they are there to watch a football match, not to be lectured on morality," said Brendan Clarke-Smith, a member of Parliament for the ruling Conservative Party.

The FA also released an emotional plea for fans to unite behind the players in a video on social media&nbsp;

"This is personally important to the players and the values the team collectively represents," the FA statement continued.

"It is not new, and English football has made it very clear that it does not view this as being aligned to a political organisation or ideology.

"There can be no doubt as to why the players are taking the knee and what it represents in a footballing context."

Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday he thought it was "totally wrong" to boo the England team.

The Football Association have issued a statement asking England fans to respect the right of players to "take a knee" as a protest against racial injustice, and not boo them before matches at the European Championship.

The Football Association have issued a statement asking England fans to respect the right of players to "take a knee" as a protest against racial injustice, and not boo them before matches at the European Championship. England players were booed by some fans before two recent friendlies when they knelt - a protest borrowed from American NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and popularised by the Black Lives Matter movement. "We encourage those that oppose this action to reflect on the message you are sending to the players you are supporting," the FA said ahead of England's opening match of the tournament against Croatia at Wembley on Sunday. "Please respect their wishes and remember that we should all be united in the fight to tackle discrimination. Together. They will do their best for you. Please do your best for them." England manager Gareth Southgate, who has participated in the gesture on the touchline, expressed his hope that the nation would unite behind the team during the tournament. A YouGov poll published this week found that 54% of fans in England supported players "taking the knee" with 39% opposed. Critics of the protest say it improperly politicises sport and they dislike the gesture's links to the organised element of Black Lives Matter, which some consider a far-left movement imported from the United States. "Fans understand perfectly well ... they are there to watch a football match, not to be lectured on morality," said Brendan Clarke-Smith, a member of Parliament for the ruling Conservative Party. The FA also released an emotional plea for fans to unite behind the players in a video on social media "This is personally important to the players and the values the team collectively represents," the FA statement continued. "It is not new, and English football has made it very clear that it does not view this as being aligned to a political organisation or ideology. "There can be no doubt as to why the players are taking the knee and what it represents in a footballing context." Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday he thought it was "totally wrong" to boo the England team.

Football: English FA implore fans not to boo players who 'take a knee'

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic.

Chairman Greg Clarke has also warned the FA Council members, in a letter, that it would take quite some time for the fans to return to stadiums to attend live matches again. Clarke further said that FA’s plans and the future project will also be impacted due to the cut in the annual budget and revised planning is already being chalked out.&nbsp;

“The Board has agreed that a sensible cut to the annual budget is 75 million pounds,” he said.

“In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a 300 million pounds deficit.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/english-fa-bracing-for-long-spell-without-fans-296592" hreflang="en">English FA bracing for long spell without fans</a>

“Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected. There is no other way and I ask for all of you to help us to build this revised plan.”

The FA Council is set to meet again on May 21.&nbsp;

Professional football, including the Premier League, has been suspended since mid-March due to COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed around 28,500 people in Britain.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-might-snub-english-teams-to-stay-in-bundesliga-296587" hreflang="en">Philippe Coutinho might snub English teams to stay in Bundesliga</a>

Premier League on Friday had a conference call to discuss the resumption of training later in the month of May followed by a return to competitive action in empty stadiums in June.&nbsp;

Events held at Wembley Stadium in 2018-19 generated income of 70.6 million pounds out of the FA’s total turnover of 467 million.

The FA also had broadcast income, from domestic and international rights to the FA Cup and England matches, of 262.6 million.

“The reality is that we just don’t know how things are going to pan out, but with social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem,” said Clarke.

“For example it’s hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon.” 
(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic.

With a lot of debates and discussions going around the possible return of Premier League, the English Football Association (FA) are planning to slash its annual budget by 75 million pounds to tackle an estimated loss of 300 million pounds over the next four-year cycle due to COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman Greg Clarke has also warned the FA Council members, in a letter, that it would take quite some time for the fans to return to stadiums to attend live matches again. Clarke further said that FA’s plans and the future project will also be impacted due to the cut in the annual budget and revised planning is already being chalked out. “The Board has agreed that a sensible cut to the annual budget is 75 million pounds,” he said. “In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a 300 million pounds deficit. ALSO READ: English FA bracing for long spell without fans “Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected. There is no other way and I ask for all of you to help us to build this revised plan.” The FA Council is set to meet again on May 21. Professional football, including the Premier League, has been suspended since mid-March due to COVID-19 pandemic which has claimed around 28,500 people in Britain. ALSO READ: Philippe Coutinho might snub English teams to stay in Bundesliga Premier League on Friday had a conference call to discuss the resumption of training later in the month of May followed by a return to competitive action in empty stadiums in June. Events held at Wembley Stadium in 2018-19 generated income of 70.6 million pounds out of the FA’s total turnover of 467 million. The FA also had broadcast income, from domestic and international rights to the FA Cup and England matches, of 262.6 million. “The reality is that we just don’t know how things are going to pan out, but with social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem,” said Clarke. “For example it’s hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon.” (With inputs from agencies)

FA expected to slash annual budget by 75 million pounds due to COVID-19 pandemic

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million).

Football across England has been indefinitely suspended, with the 2019/20 season in all leagues below the top four divisions already declared over.

However, there are growing fears that the 2020/21 campaign also faces huge disruption due to social-distancing guidelines.

"With social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem," Clarke wrote in a letter to the FA Council.

"For example, it's hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon."

The Premier League is still hoping to finish the season behind closed doors, with "Project Restart" aimed at minimising a predicted £1 billion loss if the campaign cannot be completed.

It is understood top-flight clubs were told on Friday that the remaining matches of the season must be played at neutral venues.

Further down the pyramid, where gate receipts make up a much higher percentage of clubs' income without lucrative TV deals, there are doubts over whether a new season can even start without fans being allowed to attend.&nbsp;

The FA has also been affected by the cancellation of at least four England fixtures and the suspension of the FA Cup.

Clarke said a "sensible" £75 million budget cut had been agreed.

"In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a £300 million deficit," he added.

"Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected."

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million).

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke does not believe fans will be allowed into stadiums "any time soon" and has warned that the coronavirus crisis could cost the governing body £300 million ($373 million). Football across England has been indefinitely suspended, with the 2019/20 season in all leagues below the top four divisions already declared over. However, there are growing fears that the 2020/21 campaign also faces huge disruption due to social-distancing guidelines. "With social distancing in place for some time to come we do face substantial changes to the whole football ecosystem," Clarke wrote in a letter to the FA Council. "For example, it's hard to foresee crowds of fans, who are the lifeblood of the game, returning to matches any time soon." The Premier League is still hoping to finish the season behind closed doors, with "Project Restart" aimed at minimising a predicted £1 billion loss if the campaign cannot be completed. It is understood top-flight clubs were told on Friday that the remaining matches of the season must be played at neutral venues. Further down the pyramid, where gate receipts make up a much higher percentage of clubs' income without lucrative TV deals, there are doubts over whether a new season can even start without fans being allowed to attend. The FA has also been affected by the cancellation of at least four England fixtures and the suspension of the FA Cup. Clarke said a "sensible" £75 million budget cut had been agreed. "In a worst-case scenario, this would be necessary for the next four years to offset a £300 million deficit," he added. "Clearly that will impact many of our plans as every area of the game will be touched and projects that we all value will be affected."

English FA bracing for long spell without fans

english-fa

English Fa, News on English Fa, stories on English Fa, articles on English Fa, English Fa stories at Wion, English Fa news, English Fa latest news

english fa