Breaking News

More () »

Soccer

Union: 30% pay cut for EPL players would harm health service

The players' union claimed the government would lose out on more than 200 million pounds (around $245 million) in tax.

Credit: AP

Arsenal's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, center, celebrates with his teammates after scoring his side's opening goal from a penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium in London, Sunday Dec. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Tim Ireland)

English Premier League players have failed to reach an agreement with clubs to take 30% pay cuts during the coronavirus pandemic.

That's escalated a bitter public row as the players' union claimed the government would lose out on more than 200 million pounds (around $245 million) in tax.

The strident stance from the union came after further talks Saturday involving clubs and the leagues as Liverpool became the latest Premier League side defying political anger by using a government bailout scheme.

Liverpool followed fellow 2019 Champions League finalist Tottenham in announcing some non-playing staff would be furloughed since the competition has been indefinitely suspended.

RELATED: Premier League stars face backlash over pay during pandemic

RELATED: MLS updates: Training moratorium extended, first COVID-19 case, top executive pay cuts

SUGGESTED VIDEOS | Sports