The Professional Footballers’ Association has said that players must ‘share the financial burden’ of the coronavirus pandemic, hitting back at reports that they’ve blocked footballers’ wage deferrals.
Clubs from the Premier League to League Two have already placed non-playing staff on furlough leave under the Government’s coronavirus job retention scheme, but pressure is mounting on players to accept wage cuts or deferrals.
The players’ union said in a lengthy statement on Thursday evening: “We fully accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak in order to secure the long-term future of their own club and indeed the wider game.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe and his Brighton counterpart Graham Potter have agreed to wage cuts in the last two days, along with other senior staff at those clubs, while players and management staff at Championship leaders Leeds have agreed to defer wages.
But some Premier League clubs have made use of the furloughing scheme – including Tottenham in a move criticised by their former player Gary Lineker – and the PFA added that clubs should only be doing so if it is absolutely necessary.
The statement added: “We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries.
“However, our current position is that – as businesses – if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should.
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“The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly.
“Any use of the government’s support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.”
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville scolded Hancock for his remarks, writing on Twitter: “I wish I was a player for 10 more mins. The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS.
“It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together. Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f@@@@@g cheek!”
Hancock’s comments came on the same day chair of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee Julian Knight wrote to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters calling for action on player wages.
Knight said that clubs which furlough non-playing staff but do not impose cuts on player wages should be subjected to a windfall tax if they do not change approach by next Tuesday, April 7.
“The purpose of the coronavirus job retention scheme is not to support the economics of Premier League clubs,” Knight wrote.
Alan Brazil wants footballers to donate to the NHS amid coronavirus pandemic
“Your organisation should be role modelling a responsible approach rather than tolerating divisive practices.
“European clubs, including Bayern Munich, Juventus and Barcelona, have shown that it is possible to reach an agreement with players whereby they agree to take pay reductions for a set period. I would like to request that the PL seek to broker an agreement between member clubs to change their approach.”
“As an industry, we are in discussions with clubs and players to identify the support we can give to our country during this difficult time.”
The PFA said it had called for an ‘urgent meeting’ with the Premier League and EFL which took place on March 27, where its primary aim of ensuring wages for EFL players were protected for March was agreed.
It went on to say that “a timetable was established to collectively use early April, to reach considered decisions and solutions, with a view for any potential changes and reductions to salaries coming into effect on April’s payroll. Talks on this basis are ongoing.”
The union added that it believes if a club can pay non-playing staff out of their own money, they should, despite being “aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries.”
There is an appetite to help, though, with the PFA saying: “The players we have spoken to recognise that the non-playing staff are a vital part of their club and they do not want to see club staff furloughed unfairly.
“Any use of the government’s support schemes without genuine financial need is detrimental to the wider society.
“In instances where clubs have the resources to pay all staff, the benefit of players paying non-playing staff salaries will only serve the business of the club’s shareholders.”
There have been growing calls for top-flight stars to take voluntary cuts – led by Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
“I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too,” he said on Thursday.
“Given the sacrifices that many people are making, I think the first thing Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution, take a pay cut and play your part.”
