PREM STARS TO CONSIDER CUTS

cuts or deferrals. But after a conference call with the players, club officials, Premier League, PFA and League Managers Association, the players’ union issued a statement questioning whether the 30 per cent cut would be ‘detrimental to the NHS’.

The full bleak picture of the financial crisis facing clubs was spelled out during the call after Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals

Last night, stars like Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Tottenham’s Harry Kane reported back to their dressing rooms.

The players were told during the meeting that the Premier League faces huge financial penalties which will cripple some clubs if the season does not resume.

Broadcasters could demand £762million in financial penalties if they cannot show the games that remain this season.

The meeting heard that if players accepted a 30 per cent cut or deferral it could save around £570 million from salaries alone to help plug the gap. Total losses have been estimated at £1.137billion if the season can’t resume

But PFA boss Gordon Taylor (above), who was part of the call, was reluctant to sanction his members accepting the cuts or deferrals without further discussion.

After the meeting, which, lasted just short of an hour, the PFA said: “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.

“Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

“The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government.

“What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, factor this?

“We welcomed the opportunity to discuss this with the Premier League today and we are happy to continue talks.”