Premier League footballers should “take a pay cut and play their part” during the coronavirus pandemic, says health secretary Matt Hancock.
Some clubs have furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players’ wages.
“Given the sacrifices many people are making, the first thing PL footballers can do is make a contribution,” he said at the daily government briefing.
The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) said “players will have to share the financial burden”.
In a statement, the PFA added: “We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that – as businesses – if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should.
“The players we have spoken recognise that the 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.
“In instances where clubs have the resources to pay all staff, the benefit of players paying non-playing staff salaries will only serve the business of the club’s shareholders.”
More to follow.
