April 3 – Premier League clubs have agreed to consult with their players over a 30% reduction in wages as it was confirmed English football will not resume for the foreseeable future.
Top-flight teams have also voted to provide £125 million to the three Football League divisions below and the top two non-league divisions in order to “protect employment throughout the professional game” and help with cash flow problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A further £20 million will be given to health workers and other vulnerable groups battling the virus.
English football has been wiped off the map until April 30 but now won’t resume until far later than that, in fact only “when it is safe and appropriate to do so” said a statement following a meeting of Premier League officials.
“The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.”
Clubs have been increasingly under pressure to make some kind of financial contribution to match those of overseas leagues.
“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,” the statement read.
“The League will be in regular contact with the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow (Saturday) between the League, players and club representatives.”
In accordance with UEFA plans, clubs still intend on completing all this season’s domestic league and cup fixtures at some point but clearly not for a while.
“Any return to play will only be with the full support of government and when medical guidance allows,” the Premier League said.
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