April 15 – England’s Lionesses have donated to #PlayersTogether to help the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.
The players decided to make a collective donation following an internal discussion. On social media each of the players tweeted a letter. England captain Steph Houghton said : “After discussions with a number of Premier League players we are delighted to confirm the whole of the Lionesses squad will make a collective donation in order to support the amazing NHS.”
The fund was established after a meeting of Premier League captains, including Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, in a bid to help combat the outbreak of the coronavirus which has claimed more than 11,000 lives in the UK and could overwhelm the healthcare system.
The initiative has partnered with the NHS Charities Together – an umbrella organisation for more than 150 registered charities – to assist in raising and distributing funds for the fight against COVID-19 in the UK.
High-earning footballers had come under pressure for their response to the crisis after health secretary Matt Hancock said that Premier League players should “take a pay cut and play their part”. Hancock’s statement, however, was not welcomed by the players.
They had refused initial Premier League proposal for a 30% wage cut, arguing that they wanted control over where the money was going. The players’ union questioned the league’s call for wage reductions, saying they would only reduce tax revenue that could be used to support the NHS.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1714005832labto1714005832ofdlr1714005832owedi1714005832sni@o1714005832fni1714005832