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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Dan Kilpatrick

FA offer help in Premier League wages row as Greg Clarke warns clubs and leagues could be lost

The FA would be willing to mediate in the Premier League wages row, after chairman Greg Clarke warned that clubs and leagues could be lost if the game does not come together.

It is understood the FA are prepared to step in to help ease the stalemate between players – represented by the PFA – and clubs, although they are yet to be asked.

FA chairman Clarke, who previously ran Leicester, would be well-placed to mediate talks and on Tuesday he issued a dire warning about the potential consequences if the game remains at war.

"Football faces economic challenges beyond the wildest imagination of those who run it," Clarke told the FA Council. "We face the danger of losing clubs and leagues.

"In the face of this unprecedented adversity, all the stakeholders within the game from players, fans, clubs, owners and administrators need to step up and share the pain to keep the game alive."

Premier League clubs face losses over over £1billion if the season does not resume and Clarke continued: "We must have a plan to ensure that English football is not decimated should this season be lost. We would be fools not to develop a contingency plan.

"Time is pressing as football burns through its cash reserves with no sign yet of a resumption of the game. Pointing fingers serves no purpose.

"It is time for the stakeholders to agree common cause to save our game. Contribute. Football is a team game and now is the time for teamwork."

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