The National League has asked for the minutes of a key meeting called by Government last November where it claims assurances were given that it would not have to pay back coronavirus crisis funding.
The 66 clubs in the National League and the North and South divisions below it are set to vote this week on whether or not to cut the season short, after learning that £11million due to be offered as part of the Government’s Sports Winter Survival Package would be in the form of loans rather than grants.
The three leagues will vote over the next 28 days over whether to play on – with four resolutions sent by the National League to its member clubs.
The National League claims it was told at a meeting called by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on November 17 that “the second tranche of monies for January/February/March 2021 would be on the same principles as the initial tranche ie grants”.
National League clubs were supported through the period between October and December of last year by a Government-brokered commercial deal with the National Lottery which did not involve any repayment, but they are now very concerned about their ability to make ends meet.
Scott Priestnall, chairman and owner of National League side Yeovil, said: “We have consistently asked for minutes of that meeting and it’s strange that DCMS, on such a high-profile meeting where £10million was being handed over effectively, that there aren’t minutes to that meeting.
“We have asked consistently for these minutes and they haven’t provided them.”
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