Professional footballers could see up to 25% of wages deferred for April, following EFL and PFA proposals

Professional footballers could be asked to defer 25 per cent of their wages this month due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The English Football League and Professional Footballers' Association have put forward the idea in a bid to help financially struggling clubs.

The proposal will apply to players in League One and Two with Championship clubs looking set to make their own plans.

The joint statement read: "In order to deal with the most immediate payroll issue, the EFL is recommending to clubs that local discussions are held with players in respect of the month of April only.

"A compromise proposal has been agreed between the EFL and the PFA for those clubs engaged in deferral negotiations with their players, meaning that, up to a maximum of 25 per cent of players’ wages for April may be conditionally deferred within the following limits: players earning less than £2,500 per month will be paid in full, the 25 per cent reduction must not take any player below £2,500 per month."

The statement added that the EFL and PFA will 'form a working group of six club captains/PFA delegates from the third and fourth tiers, supported by a representative nominated by the PFA, to engage in dialogue in respect of players' wages'.

"In establishing the new group, the EFL and PFA acknowledge the common problems faced by the League and member clubs, and the need for all parties to be part of a solution," the statement added.

"Dialogue with the working group will enable the League both to listen to the concerns of players and to explain the extent of the financial challenges.

"It will focus not just on the short term (May and June) but will address the medium-term position from the start of July onwards and into next season."

With no professional football played in the country for the past month, club are missing out on much needed match day revenue while also having to pay bills, including player wages.