STARS STEP UP
++ Premier League set to agree 30% players’ pay cut or deferral ++ Vital talks today with managers and captains ++ Money saved will go to the NHS ++
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are finally poised to agree a financial plan to help preserve their futures with a wage- cut deal which would see football pump millions of pounds into the NHS.
Following a day of talks, Sportsmail can reveal every top-flight manager and captain will hold a video conference call today aimed at thrashing out a salary reduction package.
Thus far players have been led by the Professional Footballers’ Association in discussions over potential reductions, which culminated on Thursday night in a statement from the union that
effectively outlined players were unwilling to take pay cuts. But after mounting criticism from the Government and public over football’s failure to react, bosses and captains will bypass the PFA today by holding discussions aimed at agreeing wage reductions across the board. If the game returns behind closed doors or the season is curtailed, recommendations are for players to agree 30 per cent pay cuts. If the game returns with supporters in attendance ance — ensuring clubs will ill earn significant match-day revenue — footballers will be asked to agree 30 per cent deferrals. Even if a club-wide agreement is reached today, players can still refuse to take a pay cut or deferral. The money will help clubs escape the threat of financial ruin, while part of the money saved will help fund the NHS fight against coronavirus. Some clubs can afford to hand the entire 30 per cent to the NHS. Indeed, MailOnline revealed yesterday that Manchester United players are set to contribute 30 per cent of their wages to the NHS. Captain Harry Maguire broached the initiative with team-mates following talks with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. The idea involves United players accepting a wage cut of up to 30 per cent, for one month, with the money raised donated to local hospitals and health centres. Sources claim players overwhelmingly supported the idea. UEFA have also agreed to lift the Saturday 3pm TV blackout for the rest of the season, ensuring more games can be shown live and paving the wayw for fixtures bebeing played behind cclosed doors. YYesterday the Premier League also agreed to suspend the sseason indefinitely, to bring forward solisolidarity payments of £12125million to the EFL and National League, and donate £20m to the NHS. While it was decided the season should only resume when it is safe to do so, the meeting also addressed how football can return once restrictions are lifted. The idea of a hotel lockdown plan for players and officials to ensure protection against infection, while also lowering the risk of spreading the virus, was discussed. So too was the notion of holding matches in countries where the virus is less widespread.