FSA statement: Player wages during pandemic

Over the past two days, a number of public figures and politicians have called on elite footballers to take significant pay cuts to help their clubs through the on-going public health crisis.

FSA chair Malcolm Clarke said:

“We congratulate those in football, ranging from Eddie Howe to Lionel Messi and his teammates, who have taken a voluntary pay cut to help their communities at this time of crisis.

“We hope that other highly paid and rich owners, executives, and players follow their example.

“This would not only improve the image of the game but, much more importantly, would provide real support for those who need it at this challenging time.

“That is football in the community in a very real sense.”