The PFA and EFL summit that could prove key for clubs plotting their way through the current crisis

The PFA is set to hold a summit with the EFL as clubs throughout the football league assess their next steps during the COVID-19 crisis.
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Leeds United became the first club on Thursday morning to confirm that its players and senior management staff have agreed to defer their wages as the club prepares for a long spell without competitive football.

Birmingham City are another who have reportedly asked players to consider deferring wages while their revenue suffers in the absence of matchday and other associated forms of income.

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Clubs throughout League One have begun to take action as the crisis escalates, with both MK Dons and Accrington Stanley furloughing all staff.

Clubs throughout the EFL are plotting their way through the current crisisClubs throughout the EFL are plotting their way through the current crisis
Clubs throughout the EFL are plotting their way through the current crisis

Sunderland are paying player and staff wages in full.

The meeting, which is expected to be held on Friday, could be key in allowing clubs in difficulty to plot the way forward in the current weeks and months.

The EFL have stated their aim to conclude the current season when it is safe to do so.

All fixtures are postponed until April 30th at the earliest, with another extension at this stage seeming likely as the health criris escalates.

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Many figures throughout the leagues have experessed a belief that even if the current season does resume, if may have to be behind-closed-doors.

“As with other industries, the crisis is having a severe impact on the finances of the game,” the PFA said.

“Several clubs have already approached players with a view to imposing pay deferrals," its statement continued.

“In order to deal with this situation, we have called for an urgent meeting with both the Premier League and the EFL to discuss how we might proceed going forward.”

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PFA Chief Gordon Taylor told Sky Sports earlier this week that they would be helping any players affected.

“We're looking at a number of different options including an emergency fund and we have our grant service available to our members,” he said.

"We have funds for the particular situation we're in now and they will be made available to any individual players and their families should they be in difficult times."