Report clubs ‘push for premanent salary cap’

CHAMPIONSHIP clubs are reportedly pushing increasingly hard for the introduction of a permanent salary cap.

The news comes amid the ongoing battle that some second tier sides are attempting to force their players to take wage cuts for the remainder of the season.

The issue, according to a report by the Mail, was discussed at an EFL board meeting on Wednesday due to concern that the prospect of being denied match-day revenue for several months would leave a host of clubs facing the stark possibility of liquidation.

When games resume, they might have to be contested behind closed doors.

Some Championship outfits are more vulnerable than those in the lower divisions because of higher wage bills, which has led to a renewed focus on implementing a salary cap.

A new wage cap of £6,000-per-week was discussed by the EFL. That would force many clubs in the division into huge cuts, so any ceiling is likely to be higher.

Meanwhile, owners and players at a number of Championship clubs remain at odds over pay cuts and wage deferrals, and there could be a day of reckoning in May.

According to the Mail, sources have told them that this month’s wages are likely to be paid as normal at clubs who have not agreed to wage cuts or deferrals.

However, with money running low due to the lack of match-day revenue, next month’s payroll may be a lot tougher to agree upon, leading to a collision course.

It is claimed that Brentford, Preston and Wigan are close to an agreement, with Championship table-toppers Leeds having already announced their players will take a wage deferral.

But it is claimed that other clubs are ‘miles apart’.

A source is claimed to have told the Mail: “There is a feeling that the players will manage to kick the idea into the long grass for this month.

“But they cannot do that again next month because, in many cases, the money to pay them will simply not be there.”