The head of men's top-flight football in England said that it could cost clubs £700 million in 2020-21 if supporters do not return to grounds
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says it is "absolutely critical" that supporters return to grounds as soon as possible - and that failure to do so could cost clubs up to £700 million ($900m) in the coming season.
English football has been played behind closed doors since returning after coronavirus-enforced lockdown in June, with the 2020-21 campaign - which starts this Saturday - also being commenced without supporters.
There are plans for supporters to return from October, however these have been thrown into doubt by new restrictions in England which will prevent gatherings of more than six people from outside the same household from Monday.