Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has written a letter to Premier League and Championship football clubs in the capital requesting support for the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.
The letter is a “historic move” by the mayor, says the Daily Mail, with Khan asking for assistance in three key areas: access to medical staff; access to facilities; and accommodation for health and care workers.
The Guardian reports that Khan acknowledges this is a “big ask” for the clubs, but he has called on the city’s football community to help “protect lives”.
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Khan’s letter said: “I do not take such requests lightly and I appreciate this is a big ask in what is a challenging and uncertain time for many of London’s football clubs.
“However, I am clear that we all need to unite and do what we can to support the NHS and protect the lives of Londoners.”
The clubs which received the letter were Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Fulham, Charlton Athletic, QPR, Brentford and Millwall. The Mail adds that the mayor did not write to Tottenham as they are already involved in the process and working with City Hall.
In a statement the mayor added: “As we work together to tackle the threat of coronavirus, the community spirit of London’s football clubs has shone through. Many have already offered support and are assisting the response in their local communities.
“This week, I have written to the capital’s Premier League and Championship clubs outlining what they can do to help our fantastic NHS and I’m grateful for the hugely positive response we have received.”
A number of London-based clubs and players have already provided assistance to the NHS during the pandemic.
Chelsea were one of the first clubs to offer the NHS support by providing use of their Millennium Hotel at Stamford Bridge for healthcare workers to stay in.
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