Sheffield United stars could be asked to show solidarity if fellow pro's go on strike

Despite proving popular in some quarters, the decision to cap the amount teams can spend on wages provoked anger from some EFL members when it was announced earlier this summer.

Reports suggest those determined to challenge the ruling have talked about the possibility of withdrawing their labour in an attempt to pressurise the governing body.

With the Professional Footballers’ Association set to hold their own discussions about the plan, which is being painted as a move to help negotiate safe passage through the financial troubles caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the refuseniks will urge their top-flight counterparts to show solidarity by backing any potential protests - up to an including a strike.

Given the chaos caused when competition was suspended in March because of the health crisis - restarting again in June - English football’s power brokers will be desperate to avoid any further disruption to next season’s fixture schedule.

Calling for a period of arbitration before the measure is implemented, the PFA has accused the EFL of failing in its legal duty to consult the union first.

“Like everyone involved in football, we want to see sustainable clubs at all levels,” a PFA spokesperson told a national newspaper recently. “We absolutely understand and appreciate the huge economic pressure clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis.”

“The introduction of a salary cap in English football represents a seismic change,” they continued. “It is a change that will have far reaching and significant impacts right across the professional game. We must take the time to ensure these are properly considered and understood.”

In its present form, the salary cap proposal would see League Two and League One clubs prohibited from spending more than £1m and £2.5m respectively on wages, while an amount has yet to be decided for those in the Championship.

United are scheduled to return to action on September 12, after finishing ninth in the Premier League last term.

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