The problem I see with this, is that clubs cannot unilaterally impose wage cuts. Any attempt to do so would again lead to very messy legal problems. Whilst a worker refusing to work is ordinarily legal grounds for non-payment of wages, most contracts generally allow workers to legitimately refuse to honour employer instructions that would potentially be extremely hazardous to their well-being. Any club that basically instructs their players to risk their health for the sake of putting on a PE kit and run around after a ball, or don't get paid, would also be terrible optics/PR, even if doing so was lawful, which I doubt it would be. It would also be disastrous for the club's relationship with the players.My proposed solution:
1. Make fake plans to get it back up and running
2. Players refuse on safety grounds, fair enough
3. Clubs give players massive pay cuts since they're refusing to work, also fair enough
4. Fall in wage bills prevents financial collapse in the immediate term
5. Finish the season in a year.
Can't they furlough players?The problem I see with this, is that clubs cannot unilaterally impose wage cuts. Any attempt to do so would again lead to very messy legal problems. Whilst a worker refusing to work would be legal grounds for non-payment of wages, most contracts generally allow workers to legitimately refuse to honour employer instructions that would potentially be extremely hazardous to their well-being. Any club that basically instructs their players to risk their health for the sake of putting on a PE kit and run around after a ball, or don't get paid, would also be terrible optics/PR, even if doing so was lawful, which I doubt it would be.
Yeah this would be an option tbf. Though I guess an issue with that might be the fact that it's uncertain how long the furlough scheme will remain in place. Problem of bad optics once again as well. Already seeing clubs buckling under the backlash at decisions to furlough admin staff and similar etc. I imagine the public reaction to the scheme being used to pay salaries of people who are already multi-millionaires would also be overwhelmingly negative.Can't they furlough players?
Sure, but if it gets you from "can only prevent financial collapse of large numbers of clubs by destroying the integrity of the competition" to "might be some bad PR", that's something.Yeah this would be an option tbf. Though I guess an issue with that might be the fact that it's uncertain how long the furlough scheme will remain in place. Problem of bad optics once again as well. Already seeing clubs buckling under the backlash at decisions to furlough admin staff and similar etc. I imagine the public reaction to the scheme being used to pay salaries of people who are already multi-millionaires would also be overwhelmingly negative.
Voluntary wage cuts in the mould of the way Arsenal have done things probably the best bet I would say, if clubs are able to negotiate them.
Oh yeah for sure, don't disagree at all. My point really was that whatever option is chosen, it's likely going to be an exercise in damage limitation. There is going to be pain.Sure, but if it gets you from "can only prevent financial collapse of large numbers of clubs by destroying the integrity of the competition" to "might be some bad PR", that's something.
It's darker, wetter, windier and colder up here in winter.what on earth are you talking about
Yes, betterIt's darker, wetter, windier and colder up here in winter.
You've got to remember furlough is a change to an employee's contract terms, so they can refuse it. Leaves the club in a position where they've basically claimed the player is a risk of redundancy, and the players gone 'meh', they can't really follow through with laying them off and allowing them to wander off elsewhere, so they've got no leverage.Can't they furlough players?
Ziege at left back? Euro 96 winner. Dennis Irwin is a better Irish option or Steve Staunton too. Technically Gareth Bale too.Might be better options in goal and left back but I can't be bothered to try and think of them.