The union representing Premier League footballers has questioned the call for a 30% player wage reduction amid the coronavirus crisis, saying it would reduce tax revenue for the UK's National Health Service.
The stance taken by the Professional Footballers' Association raises the prospect of a damaging public wrangle over the salaries of some of the best paid footballers in the world at a time when Britain is facing a major public health crisis.
The union's apparent reluctance to endorse player wage reductions emerged after Premier League leaders and European champions Liverpool joined other clubs in announcing they had temporarily laid off some of their non-playing staff.