Mon Apr 06, 2020 10:05 am
UK culture secretary wants 'urgent' agreement between football authorities
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden has called for football authorities to reach an agreement on financial support during the coronavirus crisis "urgently", adding the public will take a "very dim view" of clubs furloughing low-paid workers.
Some Premier League clubs, including leaders Liverpool, are facing criticism for furloughing non-playing staff.
Players have been urged to do more by Health Secretary Matt Hancock and the Premier League proposed a 30% pay cut.
But the Professional Footballers Association says that may harm the NHS while former England captain Wayne Rooney has called the power struggle a "disgrace" and says players are being treated like "scapegoats".
Speaking to the Telegraph, Mr Dowden said "clubs, players and owners should be thinking very carefully about their next steps".
"Leaving the public purse to pick up the cost of furloughing low paid workers, whilst players earn millions and billionaire owners go untouched is something I know the public will rightly take a very dim view of," Mr Dowden said.
"At a time of national crisis, our national sport must play its part.
"I expect to see the football authorities judge the mood of the country and come together with an agreement urgently."