AFC chairman Andy Saunders fears for future of non-league sides next season

Currently 37 of the 40 NCEL member clubs are unable to admit fans to matches because they fall under tier 3 regulations.

And Saunders believes the full implication of a ban on fans could start to hit home next season.

“I can see a situation where some clubs might not see next season,” he said, “It is difficult for everyone to get back to it.

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“At this level of football the referee costs around £150, You’ve also got to pay players and it’s that time of year when we need to switch the floodlights on - it’s not easy.

“Not being able to have fans in is a massive issue between steps 3-6. At some point hopefully we will be in tier 2 so we can play again and get up to 300 fans in.”

The NCEL committee are now carrying out a survey on whether clubs wish to continue to play behind closed doors or suspend the season until restrictions are lifted.

Step 3-6 teams have also been given access to £14m of Government funding, with the vast majority of the cashpot being loans rather than grants.

Saunders believes the measures will offer little help and extends the season to be suspended.

“I would imagine the majority of clus won't want to play without fans,” he added. “They rely on fans for income from ticket sales and refreshment bars.

“If they want to get the game back up and running, I would like to think the FA and government would make the money they are giving out grants rather than loans.

“I don’t think any club at this level will take advantage of loans because it just puts debt on the club.

“We are just waiting to get going, it is not easy. The FA are trying to do their best, but it's not easy because they have to work within Government guidelines.

“We all thought it would be a little stop start this season. We have to wait and see what happens in the coming weeks.”