Lack of fans will be devastating for many clubs, says Tranmere chief

FILE PHOTO: FA Cup Third Round - Tranmere Rovers v Tottenham Hotspur - Prenton Park, Birkenhead, Britain - January 4, 2019 Tranmere Rovers Chairman Mark Palios on the pitch before the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

LONDON (Reuters) - The government's decision to halt the return of fans to sporting events in Britain because of a surge in COVID-19 cases could have a devastating impact on the soccer industry, according to Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios.

After a difficult year caused by the pandemic, clubs were looking forward to having 25-33% capacity crowds back from Oct. 1 but British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed on Tuesday that would be postponed, perhaps for as long as six months.