NATIONAL League officials are in talks for a financial support package to ease the burden on clubs caused by Covid-19.

Officials met this afternoon to discuss the fate of the 2020/21 campaign, with many clubs targeting a delay to avoid huge financial losses.

National League clubs at Steps 1 and 2 are classed as elite sport and cannot permit fans to grounds, whereas Step 3 clubs can admit up to 600 under current guidelines.

In a statement, the National League said: "In recognition of the financial uncertainty facing its member clubs, the National League is actively engaged with government, with the assistance of the Football Association, to secure a critical financial support package, and it is hoped this can be announced very soon.

"It is imperative the revenue shortfall caused by the pause to the safe return of spectators is responsibly addressed so each club can operate sustainably over the course of the forthcoming season."

In total, 20 of the 22 National League North sides had confirmed in a statement their stance on postponing the start, rather than beginning fixtures behind closed doors.

Critics of the vote point towards National League clubs being given one vote each on the matter, with National League North and South sides earning one per four teams.

Consequently, National League clubs have a bigger say and their votes could directly impact upon teams in the tier below.

Weymouth are due to begin at Altrincham, who this afternoon confessed they had opted to start games behind closed doors provided pay-per-view streaming was available.

Clubs are still awaiting the official green light ahead of the season.