Angus Kinnear has been discussing the problems facing Leeds United should football not return for a six-month period, with the Elland Road Chief Executive admitting it could require ‘restructuring the business model in some really radical ways’.

Leeds haven’t kicked a ball in the Championship since the first weekend in March, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side still awaiting the green-light as they look to resume their push for promotion.

Yet, across the footballing world, we are starting to see some European divisions cancel their seasons, with the French cancelling the 2019/20 season and revealing there is to be no sport played until September.

There’s been no indication that will be the case in England just yet, but it was put to Kinnear about what that possibility would mean for Leeds United, who have agreed to defer players’ wages already on the back of the postponement.

On the prospect of football not returning for a six-month period, Kinnear told Sky Sports: “It would be a very serious situation.  

“Like a lot of businesses are experiencing at the moment, to have all your revenue streams dry up overnight.

“The football financing market, certainly for Championship clubs, also died out overnight as well, so we don’t have recourse there. 

“We are well-funded, we have a generous owner who is committed to the club, and we can weather the short-term. 

“But if behind-closed-doors was persistent in the long-term, it really brings significant challenges and it requires restructuring the business model in some really radical ways.”

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When the season cane resume (or if it does), Leeds have nine games to secure a Premier League return, with Bielsa’s side holding a point lead over second placed West Brom and a seven-point lead over Fulham in third.

The Verdict

Kinnear has been very open here, but to hear him talking about ‘radical’ changes that would have to be made if football is on hold until September is slightly worrying.

Leeds can only fund things for so long without having fans through the gates at Elland Road, which puts extra pressure on the governing bodies of the sport, as they won’t be the only ones.

Clarity on the next steps is going to be needed soon, as worry starts to grow across the country.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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