05 April 2020

PFA says cutting Premier League players' wages would be 'detrimental' to the NHS

The Professional Football Association has said if Premier League players take a wage cut it will be 'detrimental' to the NHS.

The league has faced pressure to cut the wages of its players by 30 percent to save other jobs at their clubs.

This comes after some clubs have furloughed backroom staff, with executives and players still being paid in full.

The Health Secretary Matt Hancock controversially  weighed into the argument saying it was the least Premier League footballers could do 'to play a part' in the fight against COVID-19.

The PFA said in a statement: "The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services - which are especially critical at this time.

"Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

"The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government.

"What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?"

The Premier league said on Friday it would donate £20 million to the NHS as well as give a £125 million advance to the English Football League to help keep clubs afloat.

The PFA added: "£20m is welcome, but we believe it could be far bigger. The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cashflow in the immediate, but football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.

"Many clubs require an increase in funding just to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs."

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