Nigel Huddleston: DCMS were not to blame for funding mix-up

SPORTS MINISTER Nigel Huddleston has told the Football Supporters’ Association the DCMS can’t be held responsible for the National League communicating to their clubs that further grants would be on the table.

National League chiefs insist they and the FA left a meeting in October believing more support would be offered once the initial £10m funding for the opening three months ran out.

Responding to The FSA’s letter to the government lobbying for Non-League clubs to receive grant funding, Huddleston wrote: “At no stage was the National League told by DCMS that its support would only be in the form of grants.

“It is unfortunate the National League chose to communicate this to clubs without first clarifying the nature of the support with DCMS. This appears to be a regrettable misunderstanding but DCMS cannot be held responsible for internal communications between a governing body and its clubs.”

Meanwhile, an initial 19 clubs across Steps 1-2 of the National League system will be offered loan packages worth up to £5.4m. Clubs will be notified of their individual decisions early this week.