Sports organisations and clubs are fearing for their futures after being told they could face several more months without paying spectators.

The Government announced on Tuesday plans to allow a phased return of fans to sporting events from October had been put on hold in one of a series of tighter measures to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

With Prime Minister Boris Johnson saying the latest measures could remain in place for for "perhaps six months", the sports sector will almost certainly need Government support to prevent widescale damage from professional to grassroots levels. A huge variety of clubs, associations, competitions and jobs could be in peril.

Sports governing bodies held an emergency meeting with Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, on Tuesday to discuss the ramifications of the delay in spectators returning.

Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, issued a stark warning on behalf of his sport.

He said: "Premiership and Championship Clubs will face significant financial hardship. Our community rugby clubs, many of which run grounds at the heart of their communities, are under threat.

"From the outset we have been clear that an autumn without crowds would leave us with little choice but to approach Government for financial help.

Dowden has promised to work with sports to try to limit the damage.

He tweeted: "I've just held a meeting with major spectator sports to discuss today's decision to help contain the virus through winter.

"We agreed to work together to help them through this difficult period."