Premier League restart date pushed back as wage deferral plans revealed

Premier League football

Premier League clubs have unanimously agreed to consult with their players concerning a 30 per cent wage deferral to assist with the payment of non-playing staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Stars and clubs have come under fire after some furloughed non-playing staff but not looked at players’ wages during the coronavirus crisis.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday that footballers should “take a pay cut and play their part”, comments which former Manchester United defender Gary Neville took issue with.

Premier League shareholders met on Friday and confirmed in a statement that talks will be held with a view to wage cuts.

It was also acknowledged that the season could not begin in May, with the restart date – set after the last review to April 30 – to be kept under constant consideration.

The league also confirmed an immediate advance of £125million to the EFL and the National League.

“In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019-20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration,” a statement from the Premier League read.

 

“This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the league, players and club representatives.”

On the subject of the season restarting, the statement said: “It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May – and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

“The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.”