EFL and PFA proposals could see wages deferred in Leagues One and Two

Morecambe would be able to defer player wages by a maximum of a quarter for the month of April, the EFL and PFA have confirmed.
Wage deferrals could be on the way for the month of AprilWage deferrals could be on the way for the month of April
Wage deferrals could be on the way for the month of April

Under the proposals, clubs could be asked to cut wages by no more than 25 per cent.

However, any reduction must not take a player below a wage of £2,500 per month, while those players currently earning under £2,500 a month will continue to be paid in full.

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The measures, which don’t apply to clubs in the Championship, have been put in place to ease the financial burden on clubs in the third and fourth tiers due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Following talks over the weekend, the two organisations released a statement on Tuesday saying: “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.”

Furthermore, the two organisations will also a working group of six captains and PFA delegates from League One and Two to ‘engage in dialogue in respect of players’ wages.’

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The statement continued: “While the working group will not be a formal negotiating body, it will help to ensure that players are fully informed as they continue to hold discussions with individual clubs.”

“In establishing the new group, the EFL and PFA acknowledge the common problems faced by the league and member clubs, and the need for all parties to be part of a solution.

“Dialogue with the working group will enable the league both to listen to the concerns of players and to explain the extent of the financial challenges.

“It will focus not just on the short term (May and June) but will address the medium-term position from the start of July onwards and into next season.”

The statement comes a week after Morecambe confirmed that a number of staff had been furloughed, which sees the state pay 80 per cent of a salary up to that of £2,500 a month.