Covid passports may be the only way of averting the “dramatic financial effect” of fans not returning to stadiums for the start of next season, according to the Football League.
There has been opposition to the method in which the government is planning to open up large-scale events, which have effectively been closed to the public for more than a year.
For football, that is likely to require either proof of a negative test, or a vaccination or the presence of antibodies to gain access to stadiums, with further testing being likely after the event.
The plan has been described as “divisive and discriminatory” by opponents.
However, as the 72 member clubs wrestle with the £250m financial hit caused by more than a season with almost no fans at matches, EFL chief executive Trevor Birch says Covid passports may be the only way forward.
“We understand one side of the debate in terms of civil liberties,” Birch told BBC Sport.
“But on the other side, if it is the only way of releasing fans to attend games, I think probably, it has to be embraced because without Covid certification, we may not be able to get full fans back in stadiums which will have a dramatic financial effect on the clubs.
“It is not ideal for everybody but at least it is giving some kind of greater liberty to a greater number of people.”
