CLUB STATEMENT | Financial support from The National Lottery

Earlier today the National League informed its members of the financial support each club will receive from The National Lottery.

Chester FC has been advised we will receive £36,000 per month covering the period of October to December 2020.

As a club we welcome this vital grant aid and wish to place on record our appreciation to the National League, the Football Association, Government and, in particular, The National Lottery. We recognise there are other clubs within the football pyramid and indeed other sectors who have had restrictions imposed upon them without financial support.

However, our allocation is significantly lower than anticipated and will not cover the matchday revenue our club has lost from playing behind closed doors for three months.

We will therefore be seeking clarification about the formula the National League has used to determine the monthly allocations, which in the opinion of our club has resulted in unfair and unjustified distributions across the three divisions.

We also have concerns the allocations do not align with the stated objective of this financial support, which was to compensate clubs for essential revenue lost from fans not returning from 1 October.

Clubs were asked to submit a financial questionnaire on 28 September to estimate lost revenue, but at no point have we been consulted about the formula that would be used to distribute this financial aid and the lack of communication from the National League on this matter has been frustrating.

It is uncertain what will happen beyond December and whether crowds will be able to return or further support provided should matches continue behind closed doors, however the Board is committed to taking all necessary steps to safeguard the future of Chester FC and will be meeting urgently to consider any implications this has for our club in an already difficult and challenging environment.