Leeds Players Defer Wages So Non-Playing Staff Can Continue to Be Paid

Leeds United have confirmed that their players and staff have volunteered to take a wage deferral, enabling non-playing staff to still be paid during the coronavirus lockdown.

Football has been suspended until 30 April at the earliest, meaning Football League sides have taken a substantial financial hit due to the absence of ticket sales.

Some clubs, including National League side Barnet have laid off all their non-playing staff in order to keep their club afloat, while Birmingham became the first Championship side to ask their players to take a wage deferral.

​Leeds have now followed suit, with their players deferring their wages for the 'foreseeable future' to enable all 272 members of full-time staff, plus the majority of casual staff, to continue receiving their salaries.

A statement from the first team squad released on the ​club's website read: "Leeds United is a family, this is the culture that has been created by everyone at the club, from the players and the board to the staff and the supporters in the stands. 

"We face uncertain times and therefore it is important that we all work together to find a way that the club can push through this period and end the season in the way we all hope we can. 

"In the meantime, let’s work as one to listen to the government advice and the health service and beat this virus."

The decision was taken following a meeting between chief executive Angus Kinnear, director of football Victor Orta and several senior players.

Orta added: “My players have demonstrated an incredible sense of unity and togetherness and I am proud of their actions. 

"To Marcelo and his staff and all of the players, we thank them for putting our wider team first and taking care of family. 

"Now we must focus on public health, and when the people are safe, finish what we started. Vamos carajo."