This is how much money Sunderland could lose if EFL games are played behind closed doors

Kieran Maguire of the University of Liverpool believes that the decision to not allow spectators to attend games – which is a move reportedly being considered by the EFL following the outbreak of Coronavirus – could have dramatic consequences for third tier sides such as Sunderland.

And his warning comes as the Black Cats stand to lose a substantial six-figure sum as football prepares to shut-off to spectators.

Using data from the club’s most recent accounts, which cover the 2017/18 season, Sunderland’s losses could top £850,000 if football goes behind closed for the remainder of the 2019/20 season.

That’s based on the fact that they pocketed approximately £285,000 per game during that season, with ticketing revenue not thought to have significantly fallen since that campaign.

The Black Cats will not be as hard hit as some other League One clubs should this drastic action be taken though, with a number of third tier sides having considerably more home fixtures left to play.

And indeed, Sunderland’s matchday income is believed to represent a smaller percentage of their overall turnover than some of their rivals.

It’s those clubs that Maguire feels could be badly affected should spectators be barred from watching games for the foreseeable future.

"Clubs in the Premier League have as little as 4 per cent coming from matchday ticket sales but further down League One and League Two it's about a third," said Maguire, speaking to Sky Sports News.

"To pay their weekly bills they are reliant on walk-up fans not just in terms of tickets but the likes of catering sales, hospitality and programme sales.

"If that income source dried up I would have genuine fears about a number of clubs who are already living hand to mouth.

"If the government set a limit of a 5,000 or 10,000 gathering then the majority of those would be able to have their matches go forward.

"And of course, we could see the larger institutions such as the Premier League and FA lend a helping hand."