PFA insists players will share costs

THE PROFESSIONAL Footballers’ Association (PFA) insists it is not trying to block wage deferrals for its members amidst increasing criticism at their failure to agree to them.

The PFA held a meeting with the Premier League, Football League (EFL) and League Manager’s Association on Wednesday, after which a joint statement talked of a “constructive” day of meetings, with further discussions set to take place in the next 48 hours.

This jarred with a backdrop which saw a number of clubs from the Premier League to nonleague furloughing non-playing staff while others took pay cuts as their star players’ wages remained so far untouched.

Bradford City, Huddersfield Town, Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday furloughed staff on Wednesday with the Government paying 80 per cent of their wages. All four Yorkshire clubs have promised to make up the shortfall but others, most notably Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur, have not.

In contrast, Leeds United’s players were amongst the to defer wages to protect the jobs of lesser-paid staff.

On Thursday Conference North side York City closed indefinitely, furloughing all staff including players. Although they will not contribute to wages, chairman Jason MacGill has promised to pay the 80 per cent of wages if any staff are on furlough longer than the support from the Government’s Job Retention Scheme.

The PFA said: “Contrary to some press reports the PFA has never stated that it will block all wage deferrals,” they said. “What we have sought is a structured and unified approach to ensure a fair response.

“The players we have spoken (to) recognise 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. We accept that players will have to be flexible and share the financial burden.”