There has been further comment on a new study by EY which highlights how the Premier League and its clubs have continued to generate widespread benefits for the economy, society and the entire football pyramid, despite the significant challenges presented by COVID-19. The analysis reveals that Premier League football contributed £7.6billion to the UK economy during the 2019/20 season, which was suspended for more than three months due to the pandemic. EY's Peter Arnold explains how the impact of Premier League football is felt across the UK and worldwide.

Peter said: "This is the third time EY has undertaken this analysis, with this iteration focusing on a particularly challenging period as it covers a season partially disrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic impacted the economic contribution that the League was able to make, as the season was forced to pause for more than three months, before finally ending in empty stadiums. However, despite this disruption, our analysis still evidences the significant growth in the League's impact since EY's first impact assessment of the League and its clubs in 2013/14.

"The League contributed £7.6billion to UK GDP over the course of the 2019/20 season and supported 94,000 jobs, despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the pandemic. This economic activity raised substantial sums for the Exchequer, with £3.6bn generated in UK tax payments. The impact of the League across the country is striking, with each of England's nine administrative regions represented by at least one club in 2019/20.

"The League's global appeal continues to be a key factor in driving its economic impact. Broadcast exports reached £1.4bn in 2019/20, engaging a cumulative global audience of 3.2bn and rivalling the combined exports of the UK's major media broadcasters. The Premier League is an important asset for "Global Britain".

"Beyond its economic contribution, the League still plays a significant role at the heart of clubs' local communities. Hundreds of thousands of children, young people and adults benefit from initiatives supported by the League each year."

See more on the Premier League website here.