UK’s economy will lose a good amount of money if football clubs shut.

[Juggy777]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

Now they know that there’s no fans coming in probably for six months and it’s not just the loss of fan income through the turnstiles, it’s all the other commercial income that follows it: matchday hospitality, advertising, sponsorship, weddings, events and what have you.

So, maybe now they might see that the situation is real, that a number of clubs are going to go bust very, very soon because they’re not going to have the cash to pay the wages and other overheads.

Sources:

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/sport/many-clubs-wont-be-able-to-withstand-lack-of-fans-at-games-efl-chairmen-warn/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54270435

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/national/18741613.fa-warns-huge-impact-coronavirus-restrictions-football/

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[jackg]

They'd probably be fast to recover either. Assuming the clubs got no interest loans to help them fund things like paying bills.

I'd assumed there'd be some sort of cheaper season ticketing style system in place about now where people could. Watch the games live, not sure if the clubs make much from broadcasting corporations?

I think the revenue of football clubs is <100bn so it's probably fairly minor.

[BIT-BENDER]

The UK government are concerned And looking out for the health of people because of the corona virus. Fans has been absent from football and this should affect clubs.
But football is a part of UK economy boosters, English football is well/widely watch. Absent of fans would be felt by small clubs, especially those in the lower tiers, the big clubs still has endorsement deals they get big money from, and the league sells out TV right which can keep the league running.

 The English football association can not open the gates of stadiums to all fans, not just now. But to keep smaller clubs running social distance can be made to limited/smaller amount of fans letting them in and a bit higher TV right incentives to such clubs.

[AjithBtc]

Most of the soccer leagues were planned to be played without audience. So, once again the revenue gets disturbed. Football clubs will try to hold back the players allowing few players to go on rest. Beyond certain level management finds it hard to hold back, and as a result there were large number of soccer clubs on sale.

Maybe a good investor can give back life to the soccer clubs. We don't know the exact time period for the invention of the covid-19 vaccine. Until the vaccine is developed, there'll be very tight economic situation with these clubs.

[Jet Cash]

The whole Covid business is a load of bollocks. Opening the clubs would mean that they have to admit they have been wrong, and they have wasted enormous amounts of our money over this not very dangerous virus. They have to continue promoting this panicdemic to allow them to implement forced vaccinations, and to get rid of smaller businesses.

[Lucius]

We all know that football stadiums are open spaces, so measures of social distance and wearing protective masks would significantly reduce the risk of infection. I would suggest a solution to let a certain number of spectators into the stadium, that everyone must have a mask and be at a distance from other spectators, and that everyone at the entrance be measured the temperature.

Of course, there is the problem of who will be able to buy a ticket and who will not - but I would also solve this with personalized tickets in such a way that each person must have a break between matches so that everyone gets an equal chance to buy a ticket. It is easiest to ban something completely, but I think that we should still look for ways for people to continue to live normally as much as possible - the virus is there and may be for years to come, we must learn to live with it.

I'm not sure if this rule still applies, but in France 5000 spectators were allowed per game, with the possibility of even more with the approval of local authorities.

Because of coronavirus restrictions, a maximum of 5,000 spectators are allowed at the games, unless clubs get a special dispensation from their local authority. Regardless of the increasing case numbers in the country, "The French league salutes the decision,” the LFP said in a statement Saturday, adding that it hopes other clubs can follow suit.
Spectators still have to wear masks inside the stadium and observe social distancing.

[plvbob0070]

The UK has a growing number of daily cases so it'll be hard for them to allow fans since the governments are trying to avoid making crowds. This is a difficult situation that a lot of countries are experiencing, choosing between the economy and the safety of everyone. Maybe if the cases will decrease, they can start allowing fans but with limited capacity only to ensure social distancing plus the protocols. Also, once this pandemic is over, I think they can easily recover as well since a lot of fans would be missing the games so perhaps they should focus more on improving the situation first.

[carter34]

The whole Covid business is a load of bollocks. Opening the clubs would mean that they have to admit they have been wrong, and they have wasted enormous amounts of our money over this not very dangerous virus. They have to continue promoting this panicdemic to allow them to implement forced vaccinations, and to get rid of smaller businesses.

I really think that there is something that the government are not letting people know about this called covid-19. Economies are going down. They won't want to allow full resumption of football and fans because the reason for shutting it down initially has not been taking care of. If it is allowed to open as the FAs want, questions will be raised.

[hulla]

The UK government are concerned And looking out for the health of people because of the corona virus.

Thats understood but ever since the ease of lockdown, people are allow to go to barber shop, restaurants, place of worship etc thats should also happen in the sports scheme either so that the clubs, the people involved will also make more income and also get inspire by the fans.
It will be good if the UK government come to a good conclusion.

The whole Covid business is a load of bollocks. Opening the clubs would mean that they have to admit they have been wrong, and they have wasted enormous amounts of our money over this not very dangerous virus.

I don't why you consider COVID19 as not a very dangerous virus but the rate of how people are infected and killed by it is enough to consider it a dangerous virus.

They have to continue promoting this panicdemic to allow them to implement forced vaccinations

I also feel concern about the vaccination which ought to have been develop by now but why would it be forced?

[BIT-BENDER]

Thats understood er since the ease of lockdown, people are allow to go to barber shop, restaurants, place of worship etc thats should also happen in the sports scheme either so that the clubs, the people involved will also make more income and also get inspire by the fans.
It will be good if the UK government come to a good conclusion.

The fullest capacity of a well patronize barbing saloon is not greater than 30, not using numbers a barbing saloon, gym house, capacity or people in it can't match that of a football stadium which can be in an excess of seventy thousand people.
Restaurant, eatry and relaxation centers are not fully opened and there is still limitations of possible people, some has no chairs, customers can only buy take always because of the corona virus.
 Football stadium reopening is in the level of schools reopening it not rushed, if rush can spark another wave of corona virus.

[teosanru]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

Now they know that there’s no fans coming in probably for six months and it’s not just the loss of fan income through the turnstiles, it’s all the other commercial income that follows it: matchday hospitality, advertising, sponsorship, weddings, events and what have you.

So, maybe now they might see that the situation is real, that a number of clubs are going to go bust very, very soon because they’re not going to have the cash to pay the wages and other overheads.

Sources:

https://www.eveningexpress.co.uk/sport/many-clubs-wont-be-able-to-withstand-lack-of-fans-at-games-efl-chairmen-warn/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54270435

https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/sport/national/18741613.fa-warns-huge-impact-coronavirus-restrictions-football/

This is a tremendous vicious circle to be very frank. On one side if you see that keeping clubs shut down would lead to economy deprivation while on the other hand if fans are allowed inside the stadium chances are most of them would be infected and then treatment of each and every such patient would be much more difficult for UK and would have a much larger impact on their Economy. Technically the shutting down of clubs makes more sense because the latter is going to be with a lot of casualities. I think government's decision is absolutely correct.

[shield132]

I love premier league!
And I really hate when someone says: why do you care about finances? Health is more improtant. For me, it sounds very stupid and dumb. Your wealth defines your health right now. Stucked economics = fall of everything. No work = creating of nothing. Food won't come out of thin air.
Fans must be allowed to be back on stadiums if we want to keep football and if we don't want to lose the possibility of seeing high performance of talented footballers.

[fiulpro]

I feel it's not just UK but many countries
At the same time they are on the edge due to the pandemic and therefore cannot take any blow to their economy , I believe this is a good decision. Even though they are wonderful when it comes to income they still have to do this because the longer UK takes to recover from this pandemic, there will be even more losses. Therefore I believe this is the right decision if taken for now.
Most important thing is to control the virus and UK doesn't have much cases , around 4000 is easily controllable but only with serious measures.
For now quarantine needs to be implemented fully , even one problem might prove fatal !!

At the same time you cannot expect angry football fans to wear masks and listen 😂

[TopTort777]

I’m not very familiar with modern football, but cant the clubs just run pay-per-view system?
I’m a MMA fan. In spring, due to lockdown, all the ufc events were cancelled. Starting from summer, ufc run events without fans, but sells a PPV for a reduced price. They still earn, fans still have option to watch. Can same be used in football and prevent UK economy from losses?

[mnporter2001]

Football teams have many sources of income from advertising services. although there are no spectators on the pitch, they can still promote certain brands by printing a logo on their jersey. In addition, they can still sell the rights to broadcasters when the game is played.
They still have revenue but less than usual, I think they will still be operating for a long time, the cash flow is always flowing properly so football bankruptcy is not possible.

[exstasie]

They'd probably be fast to recover either. Assuming the clubs got no interest loans to help them fund things like paying bills.

How long could that go on? These types of solutions made sense in March when we all thought a 3-week lockdown would prevent a pandemic, but now that the situation is indefinite....?

I think the revenue of football clubs is <100bn so it's probably fairly minor.

At 3.3 billion pounds per year, they account for ~0.5-0.6% of the UK's total tax base. It's not that insignificant. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/premier-leagues-7-6bn-contribution-to-uk-economy-glrz53vf6

I’m not very familiar with modern football, but cant the clubs just run pay-per-view system?

Brick-and-mortar stadiums and their support workers are the brunt of the associated workforce. They represent some 100,000 jobs.

[jackg]

They'd probably be fast to recover either. Assuming the clubs got no interest loans to help them fund things like paying bills.

How long could that go on? These types of solutions made sense in March when we all thought a 3-week lockdown would prevent a pandemic, but now that the situation is indefinite....?

I think the revenue of football clubs is <100bn so it's probably fairly minor.

At 3.3 billion pounds per year, they account for ~0.5-0.6% of the UK's total tax base. It's not that insignificant. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/premier-leagues-7-6bn-contribution-to-uk-economy-glrz53vf6

That must've taken some digging, I couldn't find any reports on how big it was but I remember hearing it was less than [someone] was worth.

3.3 billion is pretty tiny compared with gdp, to be lost for a while it'll have some effect but I imagine by the next season (assuming its after march next year) it'll probably be as normal if we have a vaccine by then.

[exstasie]

At 3.3 billion pounds per year, they account for ~0.5-0.6% of the UK's total tax base. It's not that insignificant. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/premier-leagues-7-6bn-contribution-to-uk-economy-glrz53vf6

That must've taken some digging, I couldn't find any reports on how big it was but I remember hearing it was less than [someone] was worth.

3.3 billion is pretty tiny compared with gdp, to be lost for a while it'll have some effect but I imagine by the next season (assuming its after march next year) it'll probably be as normal if we have a vaccine by then.

That's the eternal "if" I guess. I still worry too much hope is being placed on a vaccine being developed faster than ever before, by a matter of ~3 years.

In terms of GDP it's more like 7.6 billion pounds. Well that was based on the 2016-2017 season. I assume it's higher now. Taken alone vs. the entire economy it may seem like small potatoes (in terms of GDP anyway) but these different sectors will add up, especially when you consider jobs. My rough math says the EPL accounts for something like 0.3% of the UK workforce.

[JakobFugger]

Why is the UK economy losing money? I mean, in the relationship between entering foreign currency and leaving. Tv contracts are likely to remain the same. The audience that actually consumes football is the local audience. They may not be spending on live football, but it is certainly spending on other activities.

I believe that there are other sectors that are much more impacted, such as tourism, musical events and business events.

[mersal]

UK is facing the second wave of corona virus as far as I know so this is not the right time to allow people into stadiums because it is going to increase the number of cases and can damage the whole economy in no time.Not much revenue made from football clubs when compared to the totsl revenue of such developed country.

[harizen]

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Should be expected from way back the first phase of the pandemic so why concerns like that just raised?

There should be proper plans that were discussed already on the table for a scenario like that. After all, people themselves don't like to take the risk so even there's less restriction, they will hesitate to watch live.

They can consider following what other countries do for a slow return. At least, they can make revenues instead considering a total shutdown.

[Febo]

Next summer will be packed with sport. I believe a leagues in any sports will try to start as late as possible. Then we will also have Olympic games in Tokio. A lot bi events got pushed forward because of situation this summer. I think all leagues should make it as simple as possible. Reduce number of games to bare minimum. Reduce costs that way, since will not be that much income. I am also surprised that cubs still have money. I was expecting that contracts value would decrease a lot.

[7788bitcoin]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

The smaller clubs are the ones that are struggling as their main source of revenue was the audience, they do not have the major advertising revenues like the big clubs and i have heard that many clubs are really struggling to survive if the situation does not improve. Not sure whether the big football clubs are struggling but they are loosing a big chunk of money and it is a situation globally with other sports too.

[justdimin]

I understand that we are talking about billions of dollars worth of income but if you think that UK economy relies on football to continue you are incredibly wrong. They are a nation that has investments all around the world, even if the whole nation stands down and not work for a month the nation itself will have some income (even if individuals won't) because their companies have places in other nations which will make a profit and send to UK which will be taxed.

Obviously that will not happen, as long as there are no fans on stands I believe football can continue, look at NBA for example, they literally put teams in a bubble and just kept them there, UK has a lot less covid infected so all they would have to do would be cover one stadium and couple hotels around it and do not let alone get out or do not let anyone in and they can do a whole season in couple months at max.

[wack slacker]

The best way is still to stop the translation completely before reopening football matches. Trading people's health for economic activity is a bad idea. Brazil has paid the price for disregarding the disease to continue its economic growth.
The vaccine will not be enough for everyone, so be careful. Wise fighting disease and slowing economic growth is the long-term way to sustain society.

[Chrystora123]

they no longer need to close football matches because they can still be done without spectators..

The best way is still to stop the translation completely before reopening football matches. Trading people's health for economic activity is a bad idea. Brazil has paid the price for disregarding the disease to continue its economic growth.
The vaccine will not be enough for everyone, so be careful. Wise fighting disease and slowing economic growth is the long-term way to sustain society.

It is not easy for a head of state to make decisions in the middle of this "PANDEMIC", every policy that is taken must have a big risk.  Brazil, India, and the US are the 3 countries with the largest number of positive patients in the world today, this happens not because the government does not make strict rules but the lifestyle of their people who are too not following the rules that makes sufferers increase every day..

[hulla]

Thats understood er since the ease of lockdown, people are allow to go to barber shop, restaurants, place of worship etc thats should also happen in the sports scheme either so that the clubs, the people involved will also make more income and also get inspire by the fans.
It will be good if the UK government come to a good conclusion.

The fullest capacity of a well patronize barbing saloon is not greater than 30, not using numbers a barbing saloon, gym house, capacity or people in it can't match that of a football stadium which can be in an excess of seventy thousand people.
Restaurant, eatry and relaxation centers are not fully opened and there is still limitations of possible people, some has no chairs, customers can only buy take always because of the corona virus.
 Football stadium reopening is in the level of schools reopening it not rushed, if rush can spark another wave of corona virus.

I understand that. The last time i check restaurant and relaxation center are fully opened but are giving some certain rules and restrictions of practising good hygiene which will curb the spread of the virus. However, I believe the UK football clubs only want the government to allow the reopening of 1/4 of the stadium capacity not all.
 

[The Sceptical Chymist]

There has to be some middle ground as you say, OP.  Believe me, I get how important sports are and the problems it would create if football clubs shut down--and I don't think a shutdown is necessary, IMO.  I think the dangers of COVID-19 have been blown so out of proportion that shit like this is even becoming an issue.

How about attendees sign waivers holding the venue blameless for cases of COVID-19 arising in the proper time period after the matches?  Mandatory masks.  Hand sanitizer everywhere--you can't eliminate the risk of infection entirely, but you can reduce it significantly, that's for damn sure.  It really sounds like the UK in this case is being overcautious IMO. 

People need to go out into the world and live, enjoy a football game.  Doesn't matter if there's a risk of contracting an infectious disease or not. 

[South Park]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

This should be relatively easy to solve if both parties come to an agreement, I do not see what could be the problem of allowing 25% to 33% of their total capacity and all the people were reminded to follow the necessary protocols to ensure their safety and the safety of others, however I think that clubs also need to sit down with their players and try to talk them into taking a pay cut until things go back to normal otherwise if many of those clubs close their doors they will be left with no job and no pay as well.

[AmoreJaz]

There has to be some middle ground as you say, OP.  Believe me, I get how important sports are and the problems it would create if football clubs shut down--and I don't think a shutdown is necessary, IMO.  I think the dangers of COVID-19 have been blown so out of proportion that shit like this is even becoming an issue.

How about attendees sign waivers holding the venue blameless for cases of COVID-19 arising in the proper time period after the matches?  Mandatory masks.  Hand sanitizer everywhere--you can't eliminate the risk of infection entirely, but you can reduce it significantly, that's for damn sure.  It really sounds like the UK in this case is being overcautious IMO. 

People need to go out into the world and live, enjoy a football game.  Doesn't matter if there's a risk of contracting an infectious disease or not. 

they need to settle halfway and yes, talk about this situation. we are not talking only about the pay cut but the life of people here. so these football clubs should understand our situation. it is not only them that are suffering but it is a global pandemic.
 this pandemic is not forever, maybe wait another half a year for the vaccine to be commercially available and enjoy again the freedom of being outside.
i dont think these clubs will shut down, they will only lose if they do so.

[panganib999]

That would certainly be a great problem for there is still presence of coronavirus up until this time at every edge of world not just in UK. Social gatherings are still postponed or not allowed to be held right now to prevent the spread of the virus for if it will be allowed, potential spread might happen and it can might as well make the scenario worst and all of quarantine and lockdowns being held for months already will be make no sense anymore. Yes, it is duly understandable that the economy of each and every country like UK is affected most specially UK for football become a big part of their economy and it is affected also by the pandemic. Maybe it will be managed to state into the people to allow live audience presence on the stadium but with limited capacity of 30 to 50 percent to ensure social distancing and strict observance of health protocols to make things work.

[SaShiRaJaVu]

they no longer need to close football matches because they can still be done without spectators..

What about small clubs that get their revenue from ticket sales, you need revenue to flow in to continue with the tournament and if these clubs are not getting the revenues in the form of advertisement then they will cease to exist and hence it is a growing problem for many smaller clubs around the world, unless they find an alternative solution to get that money they will be forced to shut down.

[STT]

Tourism is a valid industry that equates to a form of export but I think the majority of attendance for games is down to local money spent, so I dont see it can be qualified as vital industry.   Its very understandable that clubs especially the smaller ones do require this revenue but the OP argument was for the entire economy which I would have to disagree with.   Its a service industry which does not facilitate other trade, it cant be worth risking lives and raising infection rates which would then cause industry problems elsewhere.  Unfortunately this is one part of the UK which might have to be put on pause till a vaccine is effective.   I hope some clever alternative is found as I think technology could be utilised better then it has been.

[rodskee]

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

In my opinion the British government is doing very well. they just wanted to protect their people from the covid virus, and banning crowded congregations could push the UK back faster and from there the economy would grow again soon.
This is only a temporary decision, and football is already the king of sport. It won't be easy to crash forever. Therefore, I highly appreciate this action by the British government.

actually its been happening in most countries specially asian countries that has still Physical distancing now.
Churches are still not allowed to conduct masses physically,gatherings are required only by 10 persons below.
Gambling places still closed and many establishments still not operating.
this must be followed for us to fight and end the virus.
so the operation will be back in normal again for our own good of course.

[bitgolden]

I feel like having certain games without viewers and having some games with viewers would be unfair to teams. Maybe you had such a hard road game series that all happened without any viewers so you got some advantage but the other team had very easy home games without viewers but will have road games with viewers? That would be disadvantage. I would say if you made few weeks without viewers, at that point you should allow the whole league to be without fans on stadiums whole season.

Moreover, the covid situation is such a hard place right now, considering adding few fans with spread out could result with horrible stuff. I like to watch FA cup and low non-league levels and I have seen fans there who celebrated with the players, that is as dangerous as it could get.

[NavI_027]

Their government should weigh things precisely because sports industry, particularly football, is a huge industry in the European region. Significant amount of tax will get lost if they continue imposing strict safety protocols. But on the other hand, chances to have faster rate of infection may happen when they take things lighter. So what's the best option right now?

IMO, they should go for the first one because as far as I'm concern our country did the latter one which resulted to worse. Yeah! We are now more free to go outside but at what cost — we got the highest number of cases in SEA. Tsk . Other countries must learn from such experience. On that note, football organizations can do PPV to ease their financial burden instead of shutting down since health issues can't be compromised.

[Dorodha]

When football clubs close the UK economy will go down a lot because there is more to improve the economy than other industries through the organization of these clubs. Shops factories and construction were ordered to close in the UK to prevent the spread of coronavirus. In such a situation the country's economy came to a standstill. But the biggest economic collapse has been due to the closure of clubs. after the opening of the clubs the economy has become active again.

[worldofcoins]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

This should be relatively easy to solve if both parties come to an agreement, I do not see what could be the problem of allowing 25% to 33% of their total capacity and all the people were reminded to follow the necessary protocols to ensure their safety and the safety of others, however I think that clubs also need to sit down with their players and try to talk them into taking a pay cut until things go back to normal otherwise if many of those clubs close their doors they will be left with no job and no pay as well.

I figure we ought not to stress over it, all that will be impermanent.
Not in the UK yet this choice is taking by the whole world's government.
All they're doing protecting their peoples from an infection.
We need to look positive side as well and support the government by sitting home.
There are some other sports games too we can watch them and the governments can gather charges from there as well

[wack slacker]

they no longer need to close football matches because they can still be done without spectators..

The matches are still organized and without the audience is boring. Regular sales mostly come from soccer ticket sales that are not TV copyrights because the media have bought the rights for many years.

It is not easy for a head of state to make decisions in the middle of this "PANDEMIC", every policy that is taken must have a big risk.  Brazil, India, and the US are the 3 countries with the largest number of positive patients in the world today, this happens not because the government does not make strict rules but the lifestyle of their people who are too not following the rules that makes sufferers increase every day..

People do not follow pandemic preventive measures partly because of their habits and partly by the government.
Asian countries can do that, why can't they do it? They need more communication and effort in disease prevention activities.

[Taskford]

UK government’s decision to scrap the plans that would allow fans to be back in the stadium post October 1st, has forced the football clubs to claim that if fans continue to remain absent then they could be forced to shut down their clubs.

Furthermore if no middle ground can be reached and clubs are forced to shut down then it’ll definitely harm UK’s economy, because so many people will loose their jobs in an instant, and government will also lose the taxes that it would have normally gained from those clubs, hence it’s important that they find a middle ground soon.

Lastly it’s a debatable question but is the UK government right as they’re considering people’s safety first due to the sudden increase in covid cases, or are the clubs right who're fearing for their finances, and not bothering about covid spreading if fans are allowed back?.

This should be relatively easy to solve if both parties come to an agreement, I do not see what could be the problem of allowing 25% to 33% of their total capacity and all the people were reminded to follow the necessary protocols to ensure their safety and the safety of others, however I think that clubs also need to sit down with their players and try to talk them into taking a pay cut until things go back to normal otherwise if many of those clubs close their doors they will be left with no job and no pay as well.

I figure we ought not to stress over it, all that will be impermanent.
Not in the UK yet this choice is taking by the whole world's government.
All they're doing protecting their peoples from an infection.
We need to look positive side as well and support the government by sitting home.
There are some other sports games too we can watch them and the governments can gather charges from there as well

It's just government doesn't have a choice since there's a pandemic happening and the only solution for this os to have a vaccine, and if until next year there's no successful vaccine will be created for sure the global economy will suffer to much on this, Although football gives huge revenue but its really a must to protect the health first and this type of sport is not the only affected but all what you can see in national tv or shall we say all, But everything  will be back on shape once the vaccine will officially released and hopefully it will happen soon.

[coolcoinz]

UK is facing the second wave of corona virus as far as I know so this is not the right time to allow people into stadiums because it is going to increase the number of cases and can damage the whole economy in no time.Not much revenue made from football clubs when compared to the totsl revenue of such developed country.

They've been talking about this second wave for at least 4 months now and I don't see anything like that happening. Their so called second wave is probably taking into account the fact that they have trouble finding the difference between covid and normal flu and those test that they have aren't worth the money they're paying for them. If people start getting normal flu and reporting they feel bad so it might be covid, many will get quarantined anyway and added to the list of covid cases.

[Yatsan]

For a country like UK that sport like football become a big part of their economy is surely affected by the effect of this pandemic which is prohibiting the call for social gathering for the viral and deadly infection is still on and one of the health protocol is to observe social distancing and as much as possible is to postpone mass gathering to avoid the spreading of the virus on which UK is still having an outstanding number of infected cases. Well, for UK's economy that includes football for their economic status, it will be so hard to recover once football clubs shutdown for there are no audiences in the stadiums to pay and watch the games so there will be no source for the expenses needed for the whole club. It is really such a worry for the economy but still health is also a concern and must not be compromised for if so that happen, another worst thing may arise if health would be set aside to save up the economy. But if there could be a possible solution such as limiting the occupancy rate of the stadiums to observe social distancing, I think it will work out having audiences for the economy and at the same time taking care of the health's sake.

[jostorres]

I believe this return of fans is not a smart idea at all but closing down football is also an idiotic move as well, there should be something in between and there is one that we are using right now as well, so no need to figure out something new. Obviously things are not looking great so far in numbers, which means if you bring fans to stadiums it will only get worse, masks is something you can't force on people, they will obviously do their best to check if everyone wears masks but there is a lot of small stuff people do not abide which mask could be one but the consequences could be worse.

So, just keep the football open, but do not allow anyone but staff to be there, that way you can guarantee that players will have a chance to stay healthy and public will not have a reason to get together so closely.

[noorammak]

Football is important to the UK economy and it creates countless jobs. Although football brings great economic benefits, it is advisable to close matches, to stop games for the health of the people.
Once the epidemic has been repelled, they can then reorganize their matches. The organization of the matches is now extremely risky.

[CODE200]

Surely it will result into a negative impact on the UK's economy once football clubs shutdown due to lack of financial resource to support their team and players and knowing that football in UK become part of their economy, it will literally be a pale once football clubs will no longer be taking place in their country. But since UK is still facing a great problem due to difficulty of handling their rate of infected cases, it will be hard to allow audiences to take into participation knowing that it might lead to further spread of the virus which will again make the economy worst once a lot more people get infected. But I think it can be resolve somehow if the football stadiums will only be limited into a 30 to I think 50 percent capacity so audience can still come along to watch live ensuring the physical distancing needed to prevent the spread of virus and of course to observe the strict health protocols according to the guidelines of the WHO. Maybe if they manage to do such, it can be possible to make people watch football games live which will ensure that football clubs to continue in operation which is a good impact for the UK's economy while considering the health of its people.

[Shasha80]

As a Premier League fan, I was actually quite disappointed, because I couldn't see a football match without a live audience.
A match without a live audience must be admitted to reduce the excitement of the match. But we must not be selfish,
do not give priority to economic problems at the expense of health. So the UK government decision by prohibiting spectators
from entering the stadium is correct, because causing a crowd will increase the spread of the corona virus. I think there are many
ways to make money in the football industry without having to expect income from ticket sales to watch stadiums.

[shoreno]

As a Premier League fan, I was actually quite disappointed, because I couldn't see a football match without a live audience.
A match without a live audience must be admitted to reduce the excitement of the match. But we must not be selfish,
do not give priority to economic problems at the expense of health. So the UK government decision by prohibiting spectators
from entering the stadium is correct, because causing a crowd will increase the spread of the corona virus. I think there are many
ways to make money in the football industry without having to expect income from ticket sales to watch stadiums.

dont know if its already suggested but they why not they do pay per view  ? pay per stream/ live  . these people cant depend on ticket sales only because of scenario's like this where no audience allowed  and what if this is the future ? a future where all things will be brodcast online and live shows / theaters will become obsolete , see neflix like example . people now watch on those apps more than experiencing the real thing   . same goes to the stores outsides because people now use apps to deliver food and snacks  .

[gabbie2010]

Football is important to the UK economy and it creates countless jobs. Although football brings great economic benefits, it is advisable to close matches, to stop games for the health of the people.
Once the epidemic has been repelled, they can then reorganize their matches. The organization of the matches is now extremely risky.

Health is wealth no doubt about that, the UK government should continue to support clubs in form of bail out just to sustain them and cushion the effect of Covid-19 on clubs finances while this pandemic last, by 2021 hopefully a vaccine will be produced this will bring a lasting solution to this crisis, we cannot take the health of UK citizens for granted in the name of making money considering the the outrageous number of people who lost their lives because the virus.

[South Park]

they no longer need to close football matches because they can still be done without spectators..

What about small clubs that get their revenue from ticket sales, you need revenue to flow in to continue with the tournament and if these clubs are not getting the revenues in the form of advertisement then they will cease to exist and hence it is a growing problem for many smaller clubs around the world, unless they find an alternative solution to get that money they will be forced to shut down.

When people think about football cubs most of the time they think of the famous ones, most likely those clubs can remain in business by selling merchandise and by the money they get from advertising and the television rights, but for small cubs most of their revenue comes from ticket sales and from selling stuff on their own stadium, like food and drinks, and now that they are not allowing people in they are suffering and the risk of bankruptcy is real so I think allowing them to accept a small amount of fans on their installations is a move in the right direction.