Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has written to parliamentary sports committee chairman Julian Knight defending clubs furloughing staff.
In his letter, Masters also claimed that the Premier League faces losses of at least £1billion if the 2019/20 season is not completed.
Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Norwich City recently confirmed that all non-playing staff have been placed on furlough leave, while Liverpool reversed their decision to place some non-playing staff on temporary leave and apologised to fans for the move on Monday night.
The decision came after Liverpool received criticism for originally announcing they would be placing staff on the government-funded scheme.
Former players Jamie Carragher and Dietmar Hamann were just two high-profile names who took aim at the Anfield club for opting to do so.
Knight last week questioned clubs that were placing staff on the government scheme, but Masters has hit back claiming the scheme is there for the whole economy to use.
“The furlough scheme announced by the government is meant for the economy, including many enterprises which might be regarded as providing entertainment or otherwise dependent on elite talent,” the Premier League chief wrote.
“We do agree with you that restraint needs to be showed by all and we and our clubs are doing just that.
“Individual clubs will need to make these decisions based on their own forecasts, as each club will have its own unique position.
“Government’s measures have considered the whole economy. It is important that these decisions be made with the short, medium and long-term all in mind.”
Masters also wrote: “We face a £1billion loss, at least, if we fail to complete Season 2019/20 and further losses going forward if the seriousness of the pandemic deepens and extends into the future.”
