State aid: Commission approves €20 million Czech schemes to support companies active in sports sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved two Czech schemes, with a total budget of €20 million, to support profit and non-profit sport entities participating in professional leagues, as well as companies organising sport events, affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The two schemes were approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants to companies that have experienced a significant decline in revenue due to the coronavirus outbreak and the measures imposed by the Government to limit the spread of the virus. Both schemes aim to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them to continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the schemes are in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted until no later than 30 June 2021. The Commission concluded that the measures are necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU. On this basis, the Commission approved the schemes under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case numbers SA.59340 and SA.59353 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.a