National League receives cash boost from Premier League to aid play-offs

The National League have received £200,000 from the Premier League to help fund the end-of-season play-offs.

Boston United are one of 18 teams from the three divisions hoping to end their campaign with promotion.

Pilgrims chairman David Newton had previously sated he expected staging the knockout matches to cost each club between £30,000 and £70,000 due to the unfurloughing of players and other costs, such as staging matches and carrying out regular COVID-19 tests.Chief executive Michael Tattersall told the National League website: “We are pleased to receive the generous donation by the Premier League towards our end-of-season play-offs".

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters said: “The Premier League is a big supporter of the wider game and we will continue our commitments in this area despite our significant financial losses and ongoing uncertainty.

“In addition, we will provide £200,000 to The National League to help them to conclude their season and give more than £1 million to the WSL and the Women’s Championship to restart next season.”

The schedule for the play-offs is to be confirmed, but the Pilgrims - who have extended their stay at York Street - are expected to face the winners of Gateshead and Brackley Town in the semi-finals.

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