Players' union warns clubs on wage reduction moves

PFA Scotland have warned Scottish football clubs not to impose ultimatums on wage reductions for players, and not to try “selective” cancellation of contracts.

The players’ union says its members realise the difficulties caused by the coronavirus shutdown and will consider “reasonable” requests to reduce their salaries but they want to see details of club finances when making decisions.

The statement, from PFA Scotland chief executive Fraser Wishart, comes a day after Hearts asked all staff to take a 50% pay cut, or discuss having their contracts terminated.

Wishart said: “We would implore the clubs to speak to the players to find achievable and realistic outcomes for the unprecedented situation we find ourselves in rather than serving ultimatums.

“If we all work together we can find solutions which both sides are happy with. We know that on the players side there is a willingness to do this. They will do their bit and consider ALL reasonable options including wage reductions or deferrals.

“However, they would only do so after full financial disclosure by the clubs. This is only fair and would, in the interests of transparency, allow fully informed financial decisions.”

The union also warned that the current state of affairs should not be abused to allow clubs to rid themselves of players they consider surplus.

Wishart said: “It follows that there would also need to be clarity and assurances on future spending in the next transfer window from all clubs.

“This exercise cannot be allowed to be a mechanism for selective cancellation of valid employment contracts.

“Rather than become embroiled in legal disputes it makes perfect sense to new that we all work together to find our way through this awful situation but this can only be down through honest and transparent dialogue.”

Since Hearts made their proposed wage cuts public, some have said that the Edinburgh club is likely to be the first of many to slash costs as they face an extended period of time without matchday income.