Government secretary has a stern message for Sunderland AFC and other clubs placing staff on furlough leave

Sunderland have been one of a number of clubs – particularly in the lower echelons of the EFL – to take advantage of the scheme, which sees staff placed on furlough leave with the government contributing 80 per cent of their wages.

And while a host of football clubs have already furloughed backroom staff and players, Dowden has warned that owners should only utilise the scheme as a ‘last resort’.

“I just think they need to think carefully about whether they really need to take advantage of this,' he said on Tuesday

“This scheme is designed for struggling businesses to make sure, if they are faced with the position where they have to make staff redundant, rather than making them redundant they furlough them on 80% of their wages so they can bring them back when business picks up.

“So football clubs should only be using it as a last resort, I think the fans and the public at large are going to take a pretty dim view if they're not using it except in the last resort.

“I've made that pretty clear, this scheme wasn't designed for the people who have millionaire players and billionaire owners, people should take responsibility, clubs should take responsibility.”

Dowden was also quizzed on when football may return, and confirmed the government are working with footballing bodies to ensure football can return once safe to do so.

"In response to future events, we are working with the relevant sporting organisations to understand their plans," he said, speaking to BBC Radio Four.

"They have to do it consistent with the scientific evidence and we are helping them to understand whether it is possible for events to go ahead.

"For example, I've had conversations with the Premier League and others. But we have been clear throughout all of it that the Government will not consent to events taking place unless we can be sure it is safe to do so."