UK government omits Premier League, EFL from £300M sports survival package

The British government has pledged £300 million in the form of low-interest loans and grants to protect the future of spectator sports over the winter period.

The initiative, which is named "Sport Winter Survival Package," includes a £3-million payment to women's football (the Women's Super League and FA Women's Championship) and £25 million to tiers 5-10 in men's football.

The Premier League and English Football League (EFL) are not included in the government's package.

It's understood the EFL is seeking £250 million to cover the financial issues that are troubling clubs in the Championship, League One, and League Two. The organization rejected the Premier League's offer of a £50-million rescue package in October.

The omission of the Premier League and EFL is further indication that the government believes professional football has the means to support itself. However, sports minister Nigel Huddleston hasn't ruled out the chance that there will be financial support for sports and leagues left off the "Sport Winter Survival Package" in the future.

"Today's provisional allocations aren't the end of the story," Huddleston said, according to Reuters. "The door is open for any sport to apply where there's a need and this includes cricket and others who aren't in the initial list of allocations."

He added on the money made available: "This is a winter survival package. It is not meant to be a full pound-for-pound compensation for lost revenue."

Rugby union stands to benefit most from the package, with £135 million set aside for the sport's governing body and professional leagues. Horseracing will receive £40 million, while smaller amounts are reserved for rugby league, motorsport, tennis, netball, basketball, ice hockey, badminton, and greyhound racing.