League One clubs and players set to benefit from 'emergency fund' in a further boost to Sunderland and their rivals

With fixtures currently suspended until April 30 – and unlikely to resume until a later date – clubs have been deprived of their regular match day income, with some knock-on effects for player and staff wages.

The impact is felt far more heavily the further down the pyramid where clubs often rely heavily upon the income they receive from home matches, with a number of Sunderland’s League One rivals concerned about the future months.

But the PFA are keen to support clubs and players wherever possible, with chief executive Gordon Taylor telling Sky Sports News how the organisation aimed to provide financial help.

“We're looking at a number of different options including an emergency fund and we have our grant service available to our members,” he said.

"We have funds for the particular situation we're in now and they will be made available to any individual players and their families should they be in difficult times."

The PFA are also supporting players who may be struggling with their mental health during periods of self-isolation.

“Mental health and welfare is very important,” added Taylor.

"Our welfare programme is open 24 hours a day and so it's about all coming together and having a common approach including the help the Government is providing as well, having regular updates both medically and working with the Government and other bodies to try and make sure we get through this."