UK government tells English Premier League to 'take pay cut'

Arsenal ground staff work on the pitch at Emirates Stadium in London, UK, March 20, 2020. /VCG

The British government on Thursday said English Premier League footballers should take a pay cut, amid outrage at top-flight clubs using a furlough scheme for non-playing staff.

Tottenham, Newcastle and Norwich have said they will use a government scheme to guarantee 80 percent of salaries for staff up to a maximum of 2,500 British pounds (3,100 U.S. dollars) per month.

The decision prompted anger from the head of parliament's digital, culture, media and sport committee, Julian Knight, as no cuts have so far been agreed for high-earning players.

Knight has written to the Premier League to express what he said was his "dismay" and warned that "this two-tier system is morally wrong."

Mohamed Salah (R) shoots at goal during game between Liverpool and Bournemouth at Anfield, March 7, 2020. /VCG

"The purpose of the Coronavirus Job Retentions Scheme is not to support the economics of Premier League clubs", he said, if the Premier League isn't going to act to resolve this crisis then the Government must step in by imposing a significant financial penalty on clubs to reimburse those hit hardest in the pocket."

Asked whether it was ethical for clubs to put non-playing staff on the furlough scheme, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said "I think everybody needs to play their part in this national effort and that means Premier League footballers too."

"The first thing that Premier League footballers can do is make a contribution, take a pay cut," Hancock added.

Professional football in England has been suspended until April 30, at the earliest, due to the pandemic.

Premier League referee Anthony Taylor trains with his dog in Manchester, UK, March 26, 2020. /VCG

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe became the first top-flight manager to take a voluntary pay cut because of the crisis on Wednesday, with Brighton boss Graham Potter following suit on Thursday by agreeing a "significant voluntary pay cut" for the next three month.

Premier League clubs, English Football League and the Professional Footballers' Association will gather via conference call for a meeting on Friday to discuss the issue of pay cut or deferrals to mitigate the financial impact of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, players at Spanish club Barcelona have taken a 70 percent pay cut, while in Italy the Juventus squad have agreed to stop their wages for four months.

(With input from agencies)