Following the recent National League allocation of National Lottery Grant Monies to National League Clubs, Hereford FC Chairman Andrew Graham has been meeting with other National League Club’s who have disproportionately been negatively impacted by the method adopted by the National League to determine the allocations.
Bulls Chairman Andrew Graham has written to the National League Board, representing a group of 11 Clubs to voice their concerns and request a review of the allocation model with immediate effect.
Graham wrote ‘’I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely express how extremely grateful, each and every signatory to this letter is, for the intervention of Government in seeking to compensate us via National Lottery funding for losses incurred as a direct result of its decision to prevent supporters attending matches due to the impact of Covid-19.
“We appreciate that this is a difficult time for many people and that we are privileged to receive backing from Government.
“Recognition of this funding comes with additional recognition and thanks for the time and good intentions of those involved in the subsequent consideration for distribution of said funds.
“There is no doubt that the Government’s decision to take this unprecedented step is due to the unquestionable fact, that each and every Club plays a significant and socially irreplaceable role in sustaining local economies.
“There is also the immeasurable impact that local football clubs have on the collective well-being of those that follow them, together with the valuable work our clubs undertake in their local communities.’’
With regards to the Grant allocations, Graham continued by adding: “The one irrefutable fact is that the Government / National Lottery funding was earmarked to cover clubs’ ‘lost gate revenues’, i.e. shortfalls in income through the turnstiles as a result of Government preventing fans from returning to stadia and we cannot accept the use of any other determining factors.’’
“When Government funding was first announced on the above basis, it encouraged some clubs to agree to start the season without fans present in their grounds, because they knew they would be compensated for this very problem.
“Whilst we at Hereford are fortunate to be in a slightly stronger position than most clubs, we understand that had some clubs have known that they would effectively be operating, somewhat under economic duress, in an unsustainable manner, they may well not have wished to start the season and thereby trigger onerous contractual commitments.”
Graham and other signatories to a communication sent to the National League Board today, urged the National League Board or any independent panel otherwise instructed, to base their evaluation and decisions on the objective for the funding as per the DCMS / Culture Secretary press release on 18th October 2020 on the Gov.UK website – “Funding will be distributed to each of the 66 National League clubs to help cover their lost gate revenue from the delay to fans being permitted to return, that was originally scheduled for 1 October.”
The National League Board will meet on the 5th of November where they will review their position.
Graham concluded by adding “we will await the outcome of this meeting but will continue to pursue what we believe is the correct allocation and that is one that replaces gate receipts lost on a proportionate basis!”
