EPL clubs ask players to take 30% wage cut amid COVID-19 crisis
Premier League clubs will ask all its players to take a 30% wage cut after a meeting on Friday.
Top-flight football has been suspended indefinitely after it was agree that football would not be resuming at the start of next month amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Players have come under fire from some quarters for not reacting quicker and deferring wages to help other employees at clubs and those further down the pyramid.
Health secretary Matt Hancock called on players to give up some of their salaries in his briefing to the country on Thursday.
And – in their statement – the Premier League revealed there will be further talks with clubs and the PFA on Saturday with a view to players donating 30% of their wages.
“The sporting and financial implications for Premier League clubs as well as for The FA, EFL and National League were considered at today’s meeting,” it read.
“In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019/20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.
“This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The League will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the League, players and club representatives.”
Additionally, the Premier League voted unanimously to advanec £125million to the EFL and National League due to ‘the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time’.
The statement added: “Further to that assistance, the League remains committed to supporting the National Health Service, its staff and helping people in communities, not least those who are most vulnerable.
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“The League, clubs, players and managers express huge appreciation for the heroic efforts of NHS staff and all other key workers who are carrying out critical jobs in such difficult circumstances.
“In consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Premier League is immediately committing £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need. This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.”