Albion have been asked to help bring Premier League fans back to stadia.

The Argus understands the government have requested further information from the club about the success of their recent test event at the Amex.

Several leading sports governing bodies, including the Premier League and FA, issued a carefully worded statement after meeting with Oliver Dowden, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It highlighted the “very serious economic implications” if fans cannot return to stadia soon.

Prem teams hope to get the green light for the first fans to come back soon after next month’s international break.

Albion have been at the forefront of spectators getting back to matches after the Covid-19 lockdown.

They received widespread praise after 2,500 fans saw them play Chelsea last month.

A full report was filed at the time.

It is understood further evidence as to the day’s success, including photos, has now been requested by the government and supplied.

Albion are losing £1 million per home match while action continues behind closed doors.

Some of their bigger rivals are losing several times that.

The government will be asked to act quickly and decisively on a return for some spectators.

Albion’s hope is likely to be they can reopen the gates when West Bromwich Albion visit late in October.

Next month’s international break is being seen as a key juncture in the quest to bring back spectators – and start easing the massive financial burden building on Prem clubs and sport in general.

That will give time for government to have full figures on the impact of reopening schools and universities.

Albion make careful plans for trips to Covid hotspots

They will also have data for the success or otherwise of the “rule of six” controls and local restrictions currently being enforced.

Trial matches in the EFL are being seen as more positive than negative but, with capacity set at just 1,000, the experiment will be of limited benefit at best.

Prem clubs believe stadia are safer places to watch matches than in groups in pubs or at home.

They would point to the fact they have so far weathered the financial storm without the help of hand-outs and furloughs.

But they are keen not to be pushed to one side and issued a statement in measured but strong terms after meeting Dowden.

It read: “We were able to explain our extensive arrangements for how we can manage a controlled return of fans following all relevant public health guidelines.

“It is our firm belief that sports fans will be as safe as in other areas of activity currently permitted.

“We also reiterated a commitment to continue to give full assistance to the Government with test and trace requirements and public health messaging.

“We conveyed to the Secretary of State the very serious financial situation now facing our sports, clubs and venues and that we believe we can stage events safely.

“It is clear that if fans cannot return soon that there will be very serious economic implications across our sporting sector.

“Our sports have already demonstrated through staging fixtures behind closed doors, in test events and through the return of recreational sport that we can deliver the very highest standards in safety and best practice.

“We will continue to engage with the Government in the days ahead and provide any further evidence required.”

The statement was released jointly by British Horseracing, the Premier League, the EFL, the ECB, the FA, the LTA, the RFL and the RFU.