The League Managers’ Association has issued a statement on the possibility of managers and football clubs taking wage cuts amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Pressure upon senior football figures to aid the situation has ramped up in recent days, with a number of politicians publicly urging footballers, particularly in the Premier League, to take pay cuts.
However, a number of players have already been making donations to charities anonymously and the topic will be discussed at today’s meeting, where the LMA is joined by the Premier League, EFL and PFA.
The captains of Premier League clubs also held a conference call to discuss a contribution of a charitable donation to the NHS, as well as the ongoing talks between the governing bodies on potential wage deferrals.
While further news following the discussions is expected to follow later today, the LMA has issued a statement which read: "Our individual members are all acutely aware of challenges the game faces, and the need for everyone to play their part in limiting the impact this situation will have on the future of the game and the viability of individual clubs.
"There is no standard contract system for managers and coaches but across membership there has been significant progress, on club by club basis, in negotiating individual contractual and salary arrangements with managers, including furloughs, cuts and deferrals.
"In the main, clubs have engaged with discussions and negotiations professionally and pragmatically.
"Through their proactive approach and by the numerous instances of managers engaging in local, national and international community and charity initiatives, our members continue to demonstrate their commitment to their clubs and to their communities as a whole."
Nottingham Forest winger Joe Lolley joined in the debate about what footballers should be doing to help out during the coronavirus crisis.
He wrote on Twitter: "Any person with the financial means to do so should be helping out where it’s needed in this situation," he said.
"A specific group shouldn’t be scapegoated, especially when (there are) are people out there who do not pay their taxes and are allowed to do so.
"But I repeat... please, however much you earn, if you’re able to spare even the smallest donation to those who’ve been hit the hardest, I’m sure it’ll go a long way.
"There are so many great charities out there."
