Dejphon Chansiri to ensure furloughed Sheffield Wednesday staff are paid full wages as club seek advice on player wage deferral

Alongside other clubs in the top two tiers of English football, the club will also seek advice from the PFA as to their options in deferring pay to their players.

Wednesday are among the Championship clubs most heavily reliant on matchday revenue, with some 37 per cent of their annual income coming from games at Hillsborough at last count.

And with the ongoing coronavirus crisis having forced the FA and EFL to suspend professional matches in England suspended until April 30 at the very earliest, clubs including Wednesday are under increasing pressure to cut costs accordingly to protect their long-term stability.

A statement released by Wednesday on Tuesday afternoon read: “As the COVID-19 crisis continues to grip the nation and the world, Sheffield Wednesday can confirm revised internal measures effective from 1 April 2020.

“In the best interests of all staff and to help safeguard the future of the club, a significant number of employees are being furloughed as part of the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

“Remaining staff are working from home, with the main stadium and training ground locked down.

“The job retention scheme guarantees 80% of regular remuneration up to £2,500 per month but SWFC chairman Dejphon Chansiri has pledged all furloughed members of staff will continue to receive full salary.

“The landscape will be reviewed at the end of April as we digest fresh information on an almost daily basis in this fast-paced environment.

“On the playing side, Premier League and EFL clubs are currently in talks with the PFA to how best agree a conciliatory solution regarding potential pay deferral.”

The Star understands that the EFL last week sent a letter to all member clubs maintaining they do not return to training until April 14 at the earliest, though this is likely to be pushed back in-line with evolving Government advice.