The Professional Football Association made a remark that the Premier League 30% cut would “detrimental out NHS”
The Coronavirus pandemic has hit so hard almost everywhere in the globe. In the world of Football, the majority of the clubs have opted for pay cuts.
The Premier League is also in the line of asking its players to take a 30% pay cut. This will safeguard their job amid the virus.
However, the PFA said all the Premier League players “will play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times.”
England manager, Gareth Southgate is reported to have made such a gesture by agreeing a 30% pay cut. Although, the Football Association declined to confirm when asked by BBC Sport.
Top-flight professionals have been coming under increasing pressure to take a drop in pay. More so, with the five Premier League clubs-Liverpool, Newcastle, Tottenham, Norwich and Bournemouth are placing some non-playing staff on furlough leave under the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme.
However, clubs themselves are understood to have financial concerns. Burnley reported a shortfall of £50m if the Premier League season will not be completed.
The PFA statement came after a conference call with the Premier League and the League Manager’s Association and the manager’s union. The conference majorly focused on the wage cut plans.
The statement read:
“The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cash flow in the immediate. But football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.”
“Many clubs require an increase in funding to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs.”
“Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will continually be reviewed in order to access the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.”
“The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public service which is critical at this time.”
During Saturday’s conference meeting, the Premier League warned that it faces a £762m financial penalty if the season does not resume. Hundreds of millions of pounds will be lost in sponsorship and matchday revenue because the season has been suspended.
In other words, the Premier League is not mandated to make the decision on wage cuts. The decision has to be made by the players and their coaches.