Coronavirus: EPL clubs to lose over £100m monthly if outbreak forces fan ban

Premier League clubs face losing more than £100million a month — as the Government gears up for a crunch meeting on the coronavirus.

Prem bosses have told clubs to prepare for the prospect of playing games behind closed doors.

And the Government announced that talks with sports governing bodies, leagues and broadcasters are scheduled for Monday.

They will even discuss the possibility of banning OAPs — deemed at high risk from the deadly virus — from attending events.

Should England follow Italy by playing four rounds of games without fans, ticket refunds and loss of matchday revenue will see clubs  lose  a  combined  £25m every weekend wiped out.

Clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal rake in more than £4m from home games — while even the smaller top-flight sides collect a million.

Cancelling matches in Europe and the FA Cup over the coming weeks would add further losses.

French football bosses last night called off today’s Strasbourg v Paris Saint-Germain clash.

An Arsenal spokesperson said: “We’re monitoring the situation and will advise on refunds for supporters as quickly as possible as and when a decision is made by the Government to play matches behind closed doors.”

Newcastle boss Steve Bruce is certain it is “inevitable” the Prem will play games behind closed doors.

Read Also: Odion Ighalo: Solskjaer reveals how Nigerian has improved Man United attack

He said: “It’s hard to imagine. They’re doing it now in Italy and it’s something we will probably face. People’s lives are at stake and we’re going to have to be guided by the authorities. It’s looking inevitable.”

The Premier League and EFL have ditched pre-match handshakes until further notice, while several clubs told players not to sign autographs or take selfies with fans.