EPL accused of 'moral vacuum' as clubs cut wages

Non-playing staff bearing the brunt of financial crisis due to virus lockdown

LONDON: Premier League clubs have been accused of living in a "moral vacuum", with players urged to take their share of the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic as non-playing staff begin to feel the pinch.

Last year's Champions League finalists Tottenham, as well as Newcastle and Norwich, have faced a backlash for using the British government's furlough scheme, which will guarantee 80 per cent of employees' income up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

"It sticks in the throat," said lawmaker Julian Knight, who chairs the Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, referring to the use of public funds to prop up wage bills.

"This exposes the crazy economics in English football and the moral vacuum at its centre."

That £2,500 sum would be a drop in the ocean for many Premier League stars, yet there has so far been no agreement on wage cuts or deferrals for players, unlike the situation at other top European clubs such as Juventus and Barcelona.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said he hoped discussions between the Premier League and players' and managers' representatives would "result in players and coaches doing their bit for the football eco-system".

However, a joint meeting between the Premier League, English Football League, Professional Footballers' Association and League Managers Association on Wednesday failed to reach an agreement.

"No decisions were taken today, with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters, including player wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season," the four bodies said in a joint statement.

Levy is in the firing line himself despite taking a 20 per cent cut in salary for the next two months.

On Tuesday he announced a 20 per cent cut for 550 non-playing staff on the same day it was revealed he was paid £7 million last season, including a £3 million bonus for the completion of the club's new stadium, which ran well over time and budget.

Players at Barcelona have taken a 70 per cent pay cut during Spain's state of emergency and will make additional contributions to ensure other employees receive full wages.

The squad of Italian champions Juventus, including Cristiano Ronaldo, have agreed to have their wages stopped for four months while players at German giants Bayern Munich accepted a 20 per cent pay cut.

"Where the players have the means and they step forward I think that shows very much that they understand what is happening right now and frankly we will be seeing more of that," said FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann.