Coronavirus: Lower league football clubs facing bankruptcy as play remains suspended

Football league clubs in the South East could face bankruptcy if more support isn't found for lower league teams.

The chair of Gillingham FC has told ITV News Meridian the club has only the cash for two or three months.

League bosses are expected to meet tomorrow (27 March) to discuss the financial impact of the coronavirus shutdown on clubs.

  • WATCH: Gillingham chairman Paul Scally on the challenges facing lower league clubs

Professional football in England will not resume until at least 30 April, although this date was announced before the latest tightening of restrictions to stem the spread of the virus.

It's thought that initial conversations have taken place between the Premier League, the FA, the EFL and the government about how lower leagues can be supported.

Many are calling for Premier League teams to offer help to lower league sides.

But it's still unclear how top-tier clubs will cope with looming financial penalties brought on by the cancellation.

  • Coronavirus cases continue to grow amongst players

Credit: PA

Concerns over funding for come as cases of coronavirus among players continue to grow.

Brighton's chief executive has revealed that a member of the squad has tested positive for the virus.

Paul Barber didn't name the player, but said that he was feeling "Ok."

James Bolton (L), Sean Raggett (C) and Andy Cannon (R) were named over the weekend. Credit: PA

Over the weekend four members of the Portsmouth squad were found to have Covid19.

Andy Cannon, James Bolton, Sean Raggett and Haji Mnoga were all tested following the club's FA Cup 5th round match with Arsenal.

The Gunner's manager Mikel Arteta tested positivefor coronavirus following that match.

CORONAVIRUS - Everything you need to know: