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PFA statements claiming to have suggested a 30 per cent wage cut could cost the Exchequer £ 200m and be “detrimental” to the NHS
Premier League players aim to make “significant financial contributions” to support their clubs and staff not playing during the coronavirus crisis, the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has announced.
A statement released by the PFA on Saturday says top-flight players “fully appreciate their role and responsibilities in society” and want to ensure their contributions help to guarantee non-playing staff at Premier League clubs receive “100 per cent” of their wages while the season is postponed.
Talks were held on Saturday between the Premier League and the PFA over clubs’ proposals to cut player wages by 30 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.
It comes after pressure from MPs, including Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who said on Thursday that Premier League players should “play their part” by taking a pay cut.
A number of Premier League sides, including Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle, have already furloughed non-playing staff while players remain on full pay.
An agreement is yet to be reached over the proposals and the PFA has warned a significant pay cut could have far-reaching implications.
“The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services – which are especially critical at this time,” the statement read.
The PFA says it is happy to continue talks with the Premier League, which on Friday pledged an advance of £125m to the EFL and National League as well as a £20m donation to the NHS and other community causes.
