March 26 – England’s Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) are seeking urgent talks with the Premier League and Football League over the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on players and clubs.
All professional football in England has been suspended until at least April 30 causing massive losses in matchday revenue with clubs asking players to accept a delay in salary payments.
It was reported on Tuesday that Birmingham City from the tier-2 Championship were seeking approval from players to take a temporary 50% cut.
Earlier this month the EFL announced it was releasing a £50 million package to clubs to ease cash flow problems but some clubs fear they may be driven out of business.
“As with other industries, the current COVID-19 crisis is having a severe impact on the finances of the game,” a PFA statement read. “Several clubs have already approached players with a view to imposing pay deferrals.
“In order to deal with this situation, the PFA has called for an urgent meeting with both the Premier League and English Football League to discuss the impact that the COVID-19 crisis is having on the finances of both clubs and players.”
“In these difficult times, there is a strong public consensus for football to be seen as acting in solidarity with other workers and industries affected.”
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