PFA takes aim at salary caps agreed by League One and Two clubs

The salary caps agreed by clubs in Leagues One and Two have been branded as ‘unlawful and unenforceable’ by the Professional Footballers’ Association.
The PFA has taken issue with the salary caps agreed this afternoonThe PFA has taken issue with the salary caps agreed this afternoon
The PFA has taken issue with the salary caps agreed this afternoon

The wage ceilings were given the green light to begin immediately following a vote between clubs on Friday.

As a result, League One clubs were given a limit of £2.5m with Morecambe and their League Two counterparts working to a maximum of £1.5m.

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However, within hours of the decision being made public, the PFA revealed it had served notice of arbitration against the EFL.

A statement from the union read: “We are disappointed at the outcome of today’s votes. The EFL has ignored its legal obligation to consult with the PFA and the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee.

“As such, the legal advice we have received is clear that the salary cap envisaged by the EFL would be unlawful and unenforceable.

“The PFA has already served its notice of arbitration on the EFL and until such time that arbitration is determined one way or another, the new regulations should have no effect.

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“While we share the league’s commitment to protecting the long-term sustainability of the leagues, the salary cap proposals voted on today have been rushed through without the proper consideration or consultation.”

It’s understood that, at League Two level, 22 clubs were in favour of the cap with just two opposed, while it's been reported the League One vote was 16-7 in favour with one abstention - with 16 being the number required to meet the 66 per cent threshold needed.

Forest Green Rovers chairman Dale Vince, a long-time advocate of a cap, told the PA news agency: “I’m pleased it's happened because it will bring more sustainability to the league.

“It starts today, which I think is a bit unfortunate because when it was first mooted it was going to start at the end of June.

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“We've done all our recruitment expecting it would come and then the EFL said it would start at the end of July, and now it starts from today.

“So there has been some big spending in the gap, in anticipation of the cap, but only by a few clubs. We won't feel the full effect of the cap until next season - not the one coming, the one after.”