Brighton owner facing significant strain

Brighton have warned of a "significant strain" on owner Tony Bloom financially if it is not possible to finish the Premier League season.

A mooted cut-off date of 30 June for completing fixtures was not discussed on a conference call between top-flight clubs on Friday following reports that nine clubs were pushing to draw a line under the campaign by then.

Brighton are not in favour of that outcome, adamant they want to find a way to play out the season even if that keeps Graham Potter's side, two points above the drop zone, at risk of relegation.

Chief executive Paul Barber warned Brighton were already budgeting for a loss this season after investing in the squad, and would struggle if there was a significant loss of broadcast and matchday revenue on top.

"Of course if we could guarantee we would be in the Premier League next season then that is a good thing but we have also got a financial gap that is going to be very significant," he said.

"We are already relying hugely on Tony to fund the gap we would have had and budgeted for.

"To be able to fund another gap is a significant strain on anyone, let alone one individual, so from that point of view we do want to play out the rest of the season.

"We want to protect and preserve as much of our income as we possibly can as that is our best way of preserving jobs and our best way to sustain our football club."

- TEAMtalk media