Sunderland Furlough All Playing & Coaching Staff as Coronavirus Difficulties Bite

​Sunderland have taken the decision to place all first-team players, contracted academy players and coaching staff on furlough leave to battle the financial strain of the coronavirus crisis.

Fellow League One side Portsmouth had already opted to furlough staff in order to make use of the government’s Job Retention Scheme, which allows businesses to claim 80% of an employee’s normal wage up to the value of £2,500 per month.

A statement from Sunderland, who were seventh in the League One table when English football was put on hold last month, explained their position in a club statement.

“Sunderland AFC can today confirm that its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff have recently been placed on furlough leave due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” it read.

“Last week, the FA, the Premier League and the EFL announced they would be collectively postponing their competitions until such time that it is safe for them to resume.

“At this moment in time, SAFC has no intention to ask any players or staff to take a wage reduction or deferral on their salary, and the club remains fully committed to ensuring all employees are paid in full.

“A small number of staff, including manager Phil Parkinson, continue to work from home, and the club’s priority remains the health and wellbeing of its players, staff, supporters and local community during this unprecedented period.”

While completing the 2019/20 English season is the preferred target, the campaign has now been suspended indefinitely and will not be resumed until the government declares it is safe.

A statement from the EFL last Friday read, “Football is committed in supporting the Government’s efforts in tackling the COVID-19 outbreak and the staging of football matches in this country. It is clearly something that simply cannot happen at this time.”

That same day, the Premier League declared its intention to advance funds of £125m to EFL and National League clubs in solidarity payments as a result of financial difficulties.

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