League One owner concerned some clubs won’t play behind closed doors without financial assistance

Many of the division’s clubs rely on matchday income for the survival of their business.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic it is highly unlikely that matches will be played in front of crowds for the remainder of 2020 and it is uncertain how long it will be before clubs can rely on their usual levels of income.

Thompson believes that uncertainty is having an increasing impact on some clubs’ willingness to play behind closed doors, where income will only come from online streaming of matches.

And he predicts that many will simply refuse to agree to return to playing games until they can be done so in front of supporters - potentially putting the 2020/21 season in doubt.

Thompson has called upon the EFL and football’s other governing bodies to produce a programme of financial assistance for clubs that will reassure them they will be able to survive the challenges ahead.

Thompson wrote on social media: “Every club has an agenda. Staying alive by shuttering is a real agenda.

“If the EFL want to solve the issue, we need to hear that agenda and embrace a mechanism that ensures the small clubs live and we all play ASAP.

“The Premier League and the Government could also help.

“I’m saying if all clubs knew they were financially safe, conversations on when/how to start and finish season/start new season would be easier for all the clubs.

“The decisions would have been made by now.

“We think we should be playing, but if the EFL wants to create solidarity, they are going to have to give the smaller clubs a reason not to shutter and furlough until July 2021.

“I remember when [former Crystal Palace owner] Simon Jordan mentioned the possibility of no football till the 21/22 season and I thought how scary that scenario is.

“In League One, we are there.

“If teams won’t play behind closed doors now, they won’t in September and I understand why when you stay alive with gate money.”

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