By Brian Bariyo Tumuramye
The Premier League could lose £1Bn if the 2019-2020 season cannot be completed due to the Coronavirus lockdown- and English football faces “the danger of losing clubs and leagues” amid economic challenges “beyond the wildest imagination”.
The season has been halted indefinitely amid the coronavirus pandemic. But Premier League chief executive Richard Masters warned of “further losses” if the situation “deepens and extends” beyond this season.
Meanwhile, Football Association chairman Greg Clarke said: “Many communities could lose the clubs at their heart with little chance of resurrection.”
Amid those projected losses, Masters also defended clubs considering the use of government furlough scheme. However, the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee responded to tell the Premier League to “stop defending the indefensible”.
Some clubs have placed non-playing staff on temporary leave, while talks continue over the salaries of players. On Monday, Liverpool reversed a decision to furlough staff and apologised after facing criticism.
The Premier League proposed a 30% pay cut for players, but the Professional Footballers’ Association says it would harm the NHS.
Top-flight players are now negotiating on a club-by-club basis over proposed wage cuts after collective talks broke down without resolution over the weekend.
