Switzerland's Federal Council proposed to provide CHF 175 million (£145 million/$192 million/€162 million) in support for professional and semi-professional sport in the next calendar year. 

Of this, CHF 115 million (£95 million/$126 million/€106 million) will be non-repayable. 

Swiss sport is in need of financial assistance due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Switzerland introduced a spectator ban at the end of October after coronavirus cases rose in the country, limiting capacity at sporting events to just 50 people.

Football and ice hockey teams had been allowed to fill stadium to two-thirds capacity in October, depending on local restrictions, which represented an increase from a limit of 1,000 spectators that applied in September.

Under the support scheme, a club will be able to claim up to two-thirds of lost ticketing income based on revenues from the 2018-2019 season. 

"With this decision, the Federal Council is emphasising that it knows the social, social and economic importance of professional and semi-professional sport and that it is taking its current difficult situation seriously," said Swiss Olympic President Jürg Stahl. 

"The funds are intended to help the clubs from the highest leagues play their role as important supporters of the youth movement during and after this difficult time and at the same time - like many top athletes - as beacons and role models for the youth and broadcast popular sport."

Clubs are commanded to be completely transparent with their use of the money, and ensure it is distributed equally among junior and women's sport also. 

The Federal Council's suggestion must first be approved by the Federal Assembly before it is implemented. 

There have been more than 290,600 cases of coronavirus cases in Switzerland since the pandemic began, resulting in just under 4,000 deaths.