State aid: Commission approves €8 million Slovak scheme to support professional sport clubs in the context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €8 million Slovak scheme to support sport clubs participating in professional leagues in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was 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. The scheme aims 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 scheme is 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 measure is 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 measure 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.60212 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.