Ex-Blackpool boss Simon Grayson says players should take pay cuts to help clubs survive says

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has called for urgent talks with the EFL and Premier League about the impact of the crisis on players and clubs.

The loss of matchday revenue has hit hard, particularly in the EFL.

Birmingham City became the first Championship side to take action, seeking approval from their players earning more than £6,000 a week to take a temporary 50 per cent cut.

Meanwhile, Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has hinted they may soon follow suit.

Grayson, who was sacked by the Seasiders last month after overseeing a run of just one win in 12 games, told Sky Sports: “I think it’s a good thing, especially at the top end of the football pyramid.

“Players earn enough money that they can filter it down to people that just do the day-to-day jobs of the running behind the scenes of football club, as in cleaners, administrators and other staff.

“Right the way down to League One, League Two, Conference, it’s not easy. The revenue is not there for these clubs that can’t finance themselves every day.

“I think if anybody can do anything – players, football clubs – then it’s going to be a great help to everybody in this industry of football.”

The PFA has now urged all sides to talk in a bid to tackle the unprecedented crisis.

A PFA statement reads: “As with other industries, the current Covid-19 crisis is having a severe impact on the finances of the game.

“Several clubs have already approached players with a view to imposing pay deferrals.

“In order to deal with this situation, we have called for an urgent meeting with both the Premier League and the EFL to discuss how we might proceed going forward.”