The Premier League will NOT restart in May and no new return date has been indicated following the latest meeting between league shareholders on Friday.
A statement announced that the 2019/20 season will only resume ‘when it is safe and appropriate to do so’, while it was also confirmed that clubs have agreed to discuss 30 per cent wage reductions with their players.
Furthermore, the Premier League has decided to advance £125million to the EFL and National League to assist clubs below the top-flight in these troubling times.
An immediate £20m commitment to the NHS has also been confirmed, while the Premier League has also promised to promote public health messages and support its clubs’ community work.
This news comes after English top-flight stars were accused of not ‘doing their bit’ by Health Minister Matt Hancock, amid growing calls high-earning footballers should voluntarily take pay cuts in the current climate.
The PFA issued a strongly-worded statement on Thursday night, where the players’ union denied claims that they’ve blocked footballers’ wage deferrals.
The EFL later thanked the Premier League for their financial support during these uncertain and unprecedented times.
They said in a statement: “The EFL also notes and appreciates the decision taken today by the Premier League in respect of the short-term financial relief it is to provide EFL clubs through the advancement of solidarity payments, parachute payments and academy Grants.
“These actions will have a positive impact on individual clubs across our three divisions at a difficult and uncertain time.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has reportedly asked all of his teammates to donate 30 percent of their wages to charity in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
