Sheffield Wednesday and several other clubs consider furloughing players after EFL guidance
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The last 18 months have been a nightmare for several clubs across the EFL as they battled with a lack of fans and huge drop in revenue in the midst of the global pandemic, with many having financial problems on the back of it.
Now, with the offseason now upon us, The Star understands that clubs across the pyramid have been given guidance from the league that – after many enquiries from various clubs – they’ve been in consultation with the Professional Footballers’ Association and HM Revenue & Customs regarding their ability to furlough playing staff.
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Hide AdTaking part in the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme would allow clubs to claim £2500 per player from the government, a fee that would cover many of the younger players’ wages at clubs, as long as they top up the rest of the amount so that each player receives 100% of his salary.
The Star is also led to believe that Wednesday, who have had – and continue to have – issues regarding player wages, are considering taking advantage of the CJRS, and may well be looking to place some players on furlough in order to get a helping hand from the government.
With many players being taxed at 50%, Wednesday and other clubs have paid a small fortune on Pay As You Earn in recent years, so can probably feel justified in taking steps that could save them tens of thousands of pounds.
It’s thought that, on the back of relegation, and with several big earners still on their books until the end of June, players at Hillsborough may well be asked to go on furlough – however it’s important to add that they can decline to do so if they wish.
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Hide AdAt this point there has been no word from the club, however the guidance from the EFL did come as a result of various enquiries coming through from various clubs as they plot their financial futures ahead of the planned return of supporters in 2021/22.