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.
