PREMIER LEAGUE players who opt out of football’s return may have to sacrifice their wages.
A number of stars have expressed concerns about plans to resume the coronavirus-interrupted season next month.
Top-flight clubs will assure players they will only be asked to return to training when it is completely safe to do so.
But those who remain unconvinced face being told to take unpaid leave.
One Premier League executive told SunSport: “This is a really sensitive issue and something we are absolutely determined to avoid if at all possible.
“We know there are players who are understandably anxious and there is no question of forcing them to play against their wishes.
“Anyone with genuine concerns for the health of themselves or families will have the option of taking time off without breaching their contracts.
“We hope we can give all our staff the assurances they need to willingly return to work in the next few weeks.
“But we will need to know which players will not be available for selection and it is likely they will be asked to forego their salaries during their absence.”
All 20 Premier League clubs committed to completing the season at Friday’s conference call.
But Gordon Taylor’s PFA still wants a meeting with the league this week.
Having advised players not to accept a wage cut, it is likely to oppose the idea of absent stars going unpaid too.
Prem stakeholders will then reconvene on Friday to start putting meat on to the bones of a return.
