The EFL have agreed a deferral package after “constructive” discussions with the Professional Footballers’ Association.
It will allow clubs to defer up to 25 per cent of players’ wages for the month of April with League One and League Two clubs already complaining they are facing a financial blackhole.
They have also agreed to set up a “working group” made up six club captains or PFA representatives from League One and League Two and PFA officials to try and reach longer term agreements.
Mirror Sport understands the PFA – which has resisted cuts at Premier League – may have to be more open to pay reductions if there is no quick return to action.
(Image: PA)
EFL clubs have warned that deferrals are no good to them – and there must be wage cuts or they will face financial disaster.
The working group’s objectives will not just focus on the short term of May and June but also look at long term financial impact into next season.
The EFL statement said:
“A compromise proposal has been agreed between the EFL and the PFA for those clubs engaged in deferral negotiations with their players, meaning that, up to a maximum of 25% of players’ wages for April may be conditionally deferred within the following limits:
• Players earning less than £2,500 per month will be paid in full
• the 25% reduction must not take any player below £2,500 per month.
(Image: EMPICS Sport)
This is a recommendation and not a directive as there are clubs who have stated no requirement to take immediate action at this time.
Further conditions may be agreed at a local level through discussions between individual clubs and players.
The current position in respect of the Championship is that clubs last week agreed to conduct wage negotiations with players at a local level, while making financial information available to support their position. A number of Championship clubs have concluded agreements with players and others will be holding discussions this week.”
