PFA claims footballers taking pay cuts to cover staff wages would ‘only serve shareholders’ interests in most cases’

THERE are NO plans for Premier League stars to take pay cuts in order to keep non-playing staff at clubs.

Top-flight millionaires were under growing pressure this evening by the Government to take hits on their wage packets to ensure other staff members were not made to furlough.

But in a PFA statement, they claim that the mega-rich clubs should continue playing their staff if they can.

It also added that the club’s shareholders will only be the ones to benefit if players are paying the salaries of non-playing staff.

A lengthy statement posted online included: “Each club’s financial standing will vary.

“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.

“The players we have spoken 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.

“We understand the severity of the situation and the challenges that clubs from all divisions face.

“We have requested, via the leagues, that clubs provide us with information about their financial position, so that we can make informed decisions for the future – both immediate and long-term.

“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. Our advice going out to players at this point reflects that expectation.

“In addition, the PFA is also expecting to contribute financially to any solutions agreed upon.

“We are hoping to reach an agreement with the Premier League and EFL that secures the long-term future of the clubs and protects players.”

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy became the second Premier League owner to place staff on furlough – on the day it was announced he had pocketed a £7million bonus. 

A total of 550 people at Spurs have seen their salaries cut for two months.

Newcastle’s controversial owner Mike Ashley was the first owner to inform staff to receive the government hand out worth 80 per cent of their salaries.

While players and first team coaches are not affected, the move includes scouts and academy coaches.

Earlier on Thursday evening Health Secretary Matt Hancock warned football clubs everyone needs to do their bit in the battle against the virus.

He said: “That means Premier League footballers too.

“The first thing they can do is make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part”.

His comments come as the powerful Commons Culture committee blasted clubs for living in a “moral vacuum” by taking advantage of the Government’s taxpayer-funded job retention scheme.