Premier League shareholders have announced new plans to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, which has currently suspended various football competitions, including unanimously voting to ‘advance funds of £125m’ to the English Football League (EFL) and the National League.
The decision was made in order to combat the ‘severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time’ with many sides struggling to remain financially stable due to the lack of games.
A Premier League spokesperson stated: “Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow.
“Critically, the League unanimously voted to advance funds of £125 million to the EFL and National League.”
The meeting discussed a range of topics including when to restart the current campaign, how it plans to interact with players along with the discussed new fund.
Premier League players will be given the opportunity to reduce their wages by 30 per cent as clubs unanimously agreed to consult the athletes in order to reduce the cost of running a top-division side without any scheduled matches.
The current 2019/20 season has been further suspended after it was announced that the league will not be resuming at the beginning of May with shareholders only announcing a return date ‘when it is safe and appropriate to do so’.
The spokesperson continued: “The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time.
“The Premier League is working closely with the whole of professional football in this country, as well as with the Government, public agencies and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the game achieves a collaborative solution.
“With this, there is a combined objective for all remaining domestic league and cup matches to be played, enabling us to maintain the integrity of each competition.”
Finally, the organisation has decided to support its local communities and the NHS by providing valuable funds in order to comeback the current coronavirus pandemic.
In total the Premier League will donate £20 million to support the NHS, communities, families and vulnerable groups during the outbreak. Moreover, the league and its clubs will continue to be used to promote important public health messaging throughout this crisis, mainly on its social media channels.
