Yahoo News Premier League prepared to make ‘difficult decisions’ as football suspensions threatens pay cuts and job losses
The Premier League has announced that they expect “difficult decisions” to be made regarding the 2019/20 season suspension, with the ongoing coronavirus crisis set to see numerous pay cuts and job losses across English football.
The outbreak of Covid-19 has resulted in all football being suspended by the Football Association until at least 30 April, with an acceptance by all involved that there is not a scenario where it will be possible to resume the top four divisions any sooner.
The FA has already confirmed that all divisions below the National League will not resume.
But there are growing fears that the same could be said for the Premier League, Championship, Leagues One and Two and the three National League divisions, with the coronavirus crisis only getting worse in the United Kingdom after the death toll rose by 181 on Friday to 759.
The Both the Premier League and English Football League (EFL) met via videoconference on Friday to discuss the next steps in whether the season can resume or not, with the Professional Footballers’ Association also in attendance to represent the players who have expressed concerns this week with the suggestion that they could be forced to train and play while it is not safe to do so – something the two leagues denied would occur.
A joint-statement read: “The Premier League, EFL and PFA met today and discussed the growing seriousness of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was stressed that the thoughts of all three organisations continue to be with everyone affected by the virus.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions.
“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans.”
Leeds United have already announced that the playing squad, senior management team and coaching staff have deferred their wages for the foreseeable future in order to protect the club’s future and those employed who will be vulnerable to the economical impact of the crisis, which has put pressure on not just other clubs in the Premier League and Championship to do the same but for the relevant authorities to enforce such a measure.
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