The double-relegation of Newcastle United and Sunderland from the Premier League would plunge the North-East of England into "economic doom", according to the region's chamber of commerce.
The future of the Magpies and the Black Cats in the top flight looks shaky as they sit six and four points from safety respectively with just six games of the season remaining.
Relegation of both to the Championship would not only affect the clubs' individual finances but have a knock-on effect right across the region, NECC head James Ramsbotham has warned.
"I don't think people understand just how crucially important football is in this region. Relegation would have a significant impact in many ways," Ramsbotham told The Sun.
"There is the money the clubs get themselves. But playing against top-flight clubs, bringing those clubs up to the North East also brings a lot to the region.
"Both clubs have fantastic Foundations. They do a huge amount of good across communities in the North-East for people who really need the support. But both rely on the Prem for some funding and losing that will make an impact. It will reduce what they can do."
Sunderland next travel to Norwich City on Saturday in a crucial relegation six-pointer, while Newcastle welcome Swansea City to St James' Park looking to arrest a winless run of seven games.
Neil Wilkes
