AN URGENT rescue package is needed to stop some EFL clubs going into administration 'within weeks', according to one MP.

Damian Collins, the former chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, has written to the culture secretary, Oliver Dowden, the Football Association and the EFL calling for talks to be held to save clubs.

He has also put forward a six-point plan aimed at improving the short and long-term stability of clubs.

Tomorrow marks 11 weeks since the season was suspended due to coronavirus.

While the Premier League has announced they will restart on June 17, the process in agreeing how to conclude the campaign in the EFL has yet to reach a decision.

Also read: Oxford United boss targets perfect preparation for EFL restart

In the letter, Collins also expresses a desire for League One to play its remaining games.

"We may only have a few weeks to save professional football in this country as we know it," he wrote. 

"For clubs in Leagues 1 and 2 in particular, the loss of match day revenue and money from the sale of season tickets is a major blow that some will not be able to survive.

"We want to see football return as soon as possible and for the current season to be completed in the divisions above League 2.

"Without matches being played, the salary costs of clubs are too high to make it viable for them to mothball their operations, even if the existing government support and furlough schemes continue.

"We do though need to address the fact the clubs would have to incur costs by taking staff out of furlough in order to resume training and matches, but without receiving match day revenue.

"Also, the cost of COVID-19 testing protocols needed to ensure the safe return of players and staff will cost clubs around £140,000 each, a significant figure for some in the lower leagues, given the circumstances they face.

"Overall, if nothing is done to provide financial support to football, clubs with old and famous names will almost certainly go into administration within weeks."

The letter is backed by a variety of figures, including 18 MPs and two former chairman of the Football Association.

It also has the backing of Charlie Methven, co-owner at Sunderland, who - like Oxford United - have made it clear they want to play the remaining games in League One.

They acknowledge any bailout would only be a short-term fix unless measures were taken to put clubs on a sounder financial footing.

The six-point plan centres around the creation of a 'Football Finance Authority' (FFA) which could provide funds to give clubs in trouble breathing space.

In exchange it would acquire a stake in the club of up to 49 per cent and appoint independent directors.

The share could be bought by supporters' trusts or local authorities, while the FFA would set the financial regulations in the EFL.