Burgers back on the menu for players
STANLEY owner Andy Holt has been told by the English Football League (EFL) that he can continue to treat his players to post-match burger meals - but only if he does so when they lose as well.
Holt revealed his unusual incentive scheme via Twitter last month, prompting the league to check if the League Two table-toppers had declared this in their “bonus schedule” at the start of the season.
The League wrote to the club on March 21 seeking an explanation.
In a statement, the League said it had to question Holt’s payment for post-match food because he said it was related to the result, but also confirmed that ‘provision of subsistence’ was not against its rules.
After the rampant Reds gained yet another win, with a Billy Kee strike earning a 1-0 victory at Colchester United on Saturday, the lads posed for a picture outside McDonald’s, with Stanley’s official twitter account joking: ‘#ASFC have won again! You all know what that means!’
The EFL statement this week read: “The EFL would not normally comment on correspondence such as this, regarding it as private and confidential, but as a result of the matter being made public by Mr Holt, it was felt necessary to fully explain why the appropriate action was being taken.
“The club’s response has confirmed that no contractual provisions exist to support the payment of amounts in this manner.
“However, EFL regulations do not prohibit the provision of subsistence and as long as the club adopts a consistent approach for all matches, and arrangements are not linked to success on the pitch, the club can continue to make appropriate provision.
“The EFL has reminded the club of its responsibilities in relation to meeting EFL Regulations.
“It is a matter for the club to ensure it complies with all appropriate HMRC guidance regarding such matters.”
Holt revealed the burger scheme in two tweets explaining how he gives captain Sean McConville ‘£200, less the £21.37 I get back in change, to get the lads McDonald’s or the like’.
He then explained that the players ‘get their own’ if they lose, revealing that the league had ‘demanded an explanation’.
He added: “You have to wonder what these folk would do with their lives if it wasn’t for my errors of judgement.”