Layth Yousif
The Premier League have confirmed clubs including Arsenal will ask players to take a 30 per cent pay cut in order to protect jobs in the game while the body also announced the 2019/20 season will not resume until ‘it is safe and appropriate to do so’.
Following a meeting between all 20 clubs on Friday, it was confirmed matches will not resume at the beginning of May as had been previously hoped for.
All 20 Premier League clubs met via video link with members accepting there is no hope of professional games being played immediately after the previously announced April 30 deadline.
Pushing the date back could also allow clubs a chance to offer their stadiums and medical staff to the NHS, in the knowledge they wouldn’t be required in the short term.
The coronavirus pandemic has prompted the league to agree to pay a ‘financial sum’ to support the NHS, understood to be around £20m, as well as to communities, families and vulnerable groups during the pandemic.
They will also advance funds to the region of £125m to support EFL and National League sides.
Restart date under review
The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.
In a statement the Premier League said they are: “Working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.
“With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.
“However, any return to play will only be with the full support of Government and when medical guidance allows,” before adding: “We would like to reiterate that the thoughts of all our clubs are with all those directly affected by COVID-19.”
