FOOTBALL LEAGUE clubs are reportedly looking to put players on the government’s wage assistance scheme in a bid to help them survive financially during the coronavirus crisis.
The EFL are in talks with their clubs and the PFA over a plan that would see lower-league footie aces put on a sabbatical for the rest of the lockdown.
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The EFL are looking to put lower-league players on sabbaticalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
According to The Daily Mail, clubs want funds made available as part of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme introduced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak last week with the government paying 80 per cent of a player’s wages – up to £2,500 a month.
Players have reportedly been warned by their clubs that they could be furloughed over the next few weeks as they are running out of cash to pay them.
The EFL hopes to keep the 71 club afloat if there is a lengthy lockdown period by working with the PFA and they are also seeking clarification from the government.
Managers and coaches would not come under the scheme as they do not have standard contracts like the players.
The PFA are said to be willing to stump up some of the cash required to top up the salaries of players – most of whom earn more than £2,500 a month – but have not made a firm commitment.
The player’s union – with funds of over £50m – are yet to reach in their pockets for a financial contribution to the struggling clubs amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week the EFL provided a £50m relief package to clubs who were hit by the absence of punters – which was largely an advance on the money they are due from their £119m-a-year megabucks deal with Sky Sports.
But that cash will be spent within the next four weeks.
The EFL are said to be looking at more drastic measures like furloughing lower league players as there is no known end to the shutdown yet.
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Most clubs are confident they can meet payroll obligations for this month but expect to suffer come April.
Under the new government scheme announced last week, furloughed workers remain on the payroll but are not paid with employers able to apply to HMRC for grants to cover 80 per cent of salaries up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.
Furloughed workers are not allowed to work so clubs wouldn’t be able to force players to even train or take part in any fitness at home during the lockdown.
It is unlikely the scheme will apply to the Championship where players rake in far higher wages than £2,500 a month.
Players in League One and Two have been warned that they could be furloughed and to be prepared to take a pay cut during this period when they aren’t playing.
Clubs cannot force players to accept and they would be able to leave on free transfers after two weeks under breach of contract but at this moment it’s unlikely there would be any club to switch to.
On Wednesday, Championship side Birmingham asked those earning more than £6,000-a-week to accept a 50 per cent cut for the next four months – but it will then be paid back.
A number of teams in League One and League Two are certain to follow suit and ask their players in the next few days to defer their wages.
In contrast, League One’s MK Dons followed the example of Barnet by laying off all of their non-playing staff on Wednesday.
Mega-rich Premier League stars are expecting to be asked to defer some of their wages during the coronavirus crisis.
Some clubs in the top flight have been in talks with the PFA Premier League over whether it would be OK to delay a portion of wages until the crisis ends.
A PFA statement said: “As with other industries, the current Covid-19 crisis is having a severe impact on the finances of the game.
“Several clubs have already approached players with a view to imposing pay deferrals.
“In order to deal with this situation, we have called for an urgent meeting with both the Premier League and the EFL to discuss how we might proceed going forward.
“Players in the top flight will likely agree on pay deferrals given the fortunes they earn, but reaching a settlement in the lower leagues will be far more difficult.
“Pay cuts, albeit temporary, will mean lower-paid players will not be able to meet their financial obligations.”
Last week the EFL provided a £50m relief package to clubs who were hit by the absence of puntersCredit: PA:Press Association
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
