Archived News from April 2020
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JOHN RADFORD CHAIRS LEAGUE TWO MEETING
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League One and League Two clubs join forces to urge EFL to introduce salary caps for next season to stop them from going bust
dailymail.co.uk, By IAN LADYMAN FOR MAILONLINE, 22 April 2020 - EFL clubs are struggling to make ends meet due to the coronavirus pandemic - Clubs from League One and League Two have been holding remote meetings - John Radford, the chairman of Mansfield Town, has taken the lead on discussions - A group of 34 clubs has written to the EFL to suggest a salary cap be introduced photo: Mansfield owner John Radford has written to the EFL on behalf of 34 clubs in the two divisions A core group of League One and League Two clubs have told the Football League that introducing salary caps next season is necessary to stop many of them going out of business. Aside from official meetings with the EFL this month, Sportsmail can reveal that 34 of the 47 clubs in the bottom two divisions have also been discussing a way out of the coronavirus crisis in a series of remote video discussions chaired by Mansfield owner John Radford. In a letter sent by Radford to EFL chairman Rick Parry, the clubs have made it clear they want the current season completed by the end of July at the latest but do not intend to pay extra wages to players whose current contracts expire at the end of June. They will expect them to play on. The clubs have also told Parry that they are committed to salary caps on player earnings next season, a time when they fear their own incomes may be 50 per cent down on a normal year. In the letter Radford writes on behalf of the clubs: 'There is a strong desire for the season to be completed by 31 July 2020 (at the latest). The clubs wants certainty. Read more at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-8245015/League-One-League-Two-clubs-join-forces-demand-EFL-introduce-salary-cap.html 'No additional payments will be made to players for completing the season. We understand some players' contracts will expire at the end of June but for the integrity of the competition, and bearing in mind that payments continue until the end of July, we would expect players to continue playing without contract extensions or further payments. 'The clubs are committed to wage caps for the 2020-21 season and beyond. This recognises that revenue in 20/21 is likely to be reduced by as much as 50 per cent. 'The clubs want to urgently look with the EFL in to creative ways of setting the wage cap which guarantees the long term-future for all EFL clubs. 'This is not a list of demands but is the desired direction of travel from the clubs.' Sportsmail revealed last week that many clubs further down the league ladder feel that capping player earnings is the only way forward. To take such a step would be a seismic event in English football and may bring many clubs into direct conflict with those who play for them. Radford and his fellow chairmen accept that there may yet have to be some flexibility in terms of when the current season finishes. 'It is accepted that setting a deadline when so much is uncertain may not be possible,' the letter states. However there would appear to be less appetite for wriggle room on the issues of players and their wages. The clubs state: 'These points are clear. We would hope the EFL can ensure that those are taken forward in their negotiations as necessary.' 
----------------------- League One and Two club owners want season ended by 31st July at the latest chad.co.uk, By Stephen Thirkill, Wednesday, 22nd April 2020 Mansfield Town owner John Radford wants to see the League Two season completed by the end of July. Mr Radford confirmed his desire in a letter sent to EFL chairman Rick Parry, and released to Chad, following a series of meetings with fellow League One and Two club owners. The owners met to discuss their concerns over the issues raised by the Covid-19 fall-out, with Mr Radford chairing the meetings. Read more at https://www.chad.co.uk/sport/football/league-one-and-two-club-owners-want-season-ended-31st-july-latest-2546296?fbclid=IwAR27cvSPD9IQfshVxuLwWNUCpbCp_Da79XrOC84azRMt2tZKQuBtwmmOtDo The letter confirmed four common issues had arisen with the season completion date sparking the most discussion. The letter read: “This is a controversial subject, but whilst the clubs are committed to the integrity of the competition, they do not want to be playing at a financial loss particularly as it now seems certain that any games will be in closed stadiums. “It is also accepted that setting a deadline now when so much is uncertain may not be possible. “The clubs are also unsure what would be the ramifications of the season not being completed on the many commercial deals which the EFL has and as regards solidarity. “We would however hope that early discussions by the EFL with all of those parties knowing that the clubs do not wish the season to go beyond 30 July 2020 would assist. “What there was clear agreement on is that no club wishes to be at a financial disadvantage as a result of setting a deadline for the season close. “What we want to try and achieve is as much certainty as possible.” Club owners also confirmed they are committed to introducing a wage cap for the new season amid fears that revenues could drop by as much as 50 per cent. They also made it clear that players should receive no additional payments for completing the season. “The clubs want to urgently look with the EFL into creative ways of setting the wage cap which guarantees the long term future of football for all EFL clubs,” the letter added. “We understand that as drafted some players’ contracts will expire at the end of June but for the integrity of the competition and bearing in mind that payments continue until the end of July we would expect players to continue playing without contract extensions or further payments.” Clubs also revealed that they would hold individual negotiations with players around salary and deferral/reduction for the best interests of each club. ------------------------ |
Latest | April 2020