The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the government's daily briefing on the crisis on Thursday to tell players to "make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part."

Talks are ongoing between the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Premier League and English Football League (EFL) with the players' union accepting they must "share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak."

However, by waiting three weeks since football in England was suspended on public health grounds, the players and the Premier League may have already lost the PR war.

"If you are out of sync with society at the moment, that’s a huge mistake," Adrian Bevington, English Football Association's former director of communications, told PRWeek, the trade magazine for the public relations industry.

"You have to maintain that feeling of empathy for where we are and the seriousness of the situation."

The decision by four Premier League clubs to use the government's furlough scheme, designed to protect jobs at stricken companies, has been met with a government backlash.

Tottenham, Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth plan to use government funds to pay 80 percent of wages of non-playing staff up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month.

The average salary for a Premier League player is three million pounds a year, according to the latest Global Sports Salaries survey.

Julian Knight, who chairs the British government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, accused those clubs of living in a "moral vacuum".

David Lammy of the opposition Labour party and MP for Tottenham said: "It’s criminal that Premier League footballers haven’t moved more quickly to take pay cuts and deferrals."

The Premier League's huge popularity worldwide has driven up players' salaries on an exponential scale over the past 20 years due to a boom in television rights and sponsorship.

However, that could all come crashing down if fans and sponsors are turned off by the stand off at an already difficult time for the game financially.

"It is going to be imperative for everyone in the sports industry –- clubs, players, managers, commercial partners, sponsors -– that they really dial into the mindset of people coming out of this," added Bevington.

"It is such a difficult time and will be a challenging environment for so many people economically and healthwise. They’ve got to get that right."

<h2>- Political football -</h2>

However, there is also frustration among players that they are being used a pawns in a political battle.

Premier League players are being encouraged to follow the example of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid where players have taken pay cuts to protect other staff members.

Many in England have already made huge contributions to help their local communities.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has teamed up with charity FareShare to help feed at least 400,000 children, while an anonymous Liverpool player has donated £25,000 to Alder Hey hospital.

Yet, the players are questioning why they and not many billionaire owners of clubs are being told to foot the bill for the salaries of non-playing staff.

"We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that -– as businesses -- if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should," the PFA said in a statement.

Tottenham's decision to furlough 550 staff on Tuesday came on the same day it was revealed chairman Daniel Levy was paid seven million pounds last season.

According to the Sunday Times rich list, Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, who resides in the Bahamas, saw his wealth surge to 4.4billion pounds last year.

"The same criticisms are not being made of the banking industry, not being made of hedge fund managers, they are not being made of lawyers who charge £10,000 a day, accountants, or off-shore funds which avoid paying tax," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP.

"Joe Lewis himself is worth over four billion pounds, (but) we are having a go at Harry Kane who is a guy with a career that is going to end at 35."

At a time of huge public spending to shore up the National Health Service (NHS) and economy, there is also an argument that a cut in player wages could be detrimental to the public purse.

"What contributes more to the government, the NHS/police," tweeted former Stoke and Ireland striker Jonathan Walters.

"A PL player taking a pay cut that stays with the clubs owners or paying more than 45 percent tax through PAYE on a large salary which goes directly to the government."

The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts.

The Premier League's highly-paid players have become an unwilling target amid the financial crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with government officials wading in to tell stars to take pay cuts. Health Secretary Matt Hancock used the government's daily briefing on the crisis on Thursday to tell players to "make a contribution, take a pay cut and play their part." Talks are ongoing between the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), Premier League and English Football League (EFL) with the players' union accepting they must "share the financial burden of the Covid-19 outbreak." However, by waiting three weeks since football in England was suspended on public health grounds, the players and the Premier League may have already lost the PR war. "If you are out of sync with society at the moment, that’s a huge mistake," Adrian Bevington, English Football Association's former director of communications, told PRWeek, the trade magazine for the public relations industry. "You have to maintain that feeling of empathy for where we are and the seriousness of the situation." The decision by four Premier League clubs to use the government's furlough scheme, designed to protect jobs at stricken companies, has been met with a government backlash. Tottenham, Newcastle, Norwich and Bournemouth plan to use government funds to pay 80 percent of wages of non-playing staff up to a maximum of 2,500 pounds ($3,100) a month. The average salary for a Premier League player is three million pounds a year, according to the latest Global Sports Salaries survey. Julian Knight, who chairs the British government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, accused those clubs of living in a "moral vacuum". David Lammy of the opposition Labour party and MP for Tottenham said: "It’s criminal that Premier League footballers haven’t moved more quickly to take pay cuts and deferrals." The Premier League's huge popularity worldwide has driven up players' salaries on an exponential scale over the past 20 years due to a boom in television rights and sponsorship. However, that could all come crashing down if fans and sponsors are turned off by the stand off at an already difficult time for the game financially. "It is going to be imperative for everyone in the sports industry –- clubs, players, managers, commercial partners, sponsors -– that they really dial into the mindset of people coming out of this," added Bevington. "It is such a difficult time and will be a challenging environment for so many people economically and healthwise. They’ve got to get that right." - Political football - However, there is also frustration among players that they are being used a pawns in a political battle. Premier League players are being encouraged to follow the example of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Atletico Madrid where players have taken pay cuts to protect other staff members. Many in England have already made huge contributions to help their local communities. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford has teamed up with charity FareShare to help feed at least 400,000 children, while an anonymous Liverpool player has donated £25,000 to Alder Hey hospital. Yet, the players are questioning why they and not many billionaire owners of clubs are being told to foot the bill for the salaries of non-playing staff. "We are aware of the public sentiment that the players should pay non-playing staff’s salaries. However, our current position is that -– as businesses -- if clubs can afford to pay their players and staff, they should," the PFA said in a statement. Tottenham's decision to furlough 550 staff on Tuesday came on the same day it was revealed chairman Daniel Levy was paid seven million pounds last season. According to the Sunday Times rich list, Tottenham owner Joe Lewis, who resides in the Bahamas, saw his wealth surge to 4.4billion pounds last year. "The same criticisms are not being made of the banking industry, not being made of hedge fund managers, they are not being made of lawyers who charge £10,000 a day, accountants, or off-shore funds which avoid paying tax," football finance expert Kieran Maguire told AFP. "Joe Lewis himself is worth over four billion pounds, (but) we are having a go at Harry Kane who is a guy with a career that is going to end at 35." At a time of huge public spending to shore up the National Health Service (NHS) and economy, there is also an argument that a cut in player wages could be detrimental to the public purse. "What contributes more to the government, the NHS/police," tweeted former Stoke and Ireland striker Jonathan Walters. "A PL player taking a pay cut that stays with the clubs owners or paying more than 45 percent tax through PAYE on a large salary which goes directly to the government."

Premier League stars in firing line over taking pay cut

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-players-show-symptoms-of-coronavirus-confirms-brendan-rodgers-285955" hreflang="en">Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers</a>

Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coronavirus-effect-on-football-real-madrid-players-quarantined-major-doubts-over-uefa-champions-league-match-against-man-city-285881" hreflang="en">Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City</a>

Arteta's testing has forced Premier League to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to decide over the continuity of the league.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 
 
Statement: <a href="https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM">https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM</a> <a href="https://t.co/RmnxRHXooz">pic.twitter.com/RmnxRHXooz</a>
— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1238233442212622339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 Clarification 
 
Along with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU23</a> v Tottenham Hotspur at Boreham Wood on Friday, the games involving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU16?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU16</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AFCU18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AFCU18</a> at Colney on Saturday have also been postponed. <a href="https://t.co/WRfFIxpaYZ">pic.twitter.com/WRfFIxpaYZ</a>
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArsenalAcademy/status/1238255832070082568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They released a statement after Arteta was tested positive: "Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution."&nbsp;

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the government was considering cancelling sporting events in the United Kingdom, but was not ready to do so yet.

But the news of Arteta's positive test could force the Premier League to cancel English top-flight matches.

Mikel Arteta is the second big name in the world of football to have tested positive, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was tested positive on Thursday.&nbsp;

Earlier, Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad".

Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis.

UEFA Champions League, Europa League face major cancellation threat. Serie A and La Liga have suspended their play for a brief moment to contain the outbreak and it seems like Premier League might just be the next target.&nbsp;

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. Also read: Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly.

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, this has forced the first-team squad and the coaching staff into self-isolation. Also read: Leicester players show symptoms of coronavirus, confirms Brendan Rodgers Mikel Arteta was disappointed by the results, he said: "This is really disappointing but I took the test after feeling poorly. I will be at work as soon as I’m allowed." Also read: Coronavirus effect on football: Real Madrid players quarantined; major doubts over UEFA Champions League match against Man City Arteta's testing has forced Premier League to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to decide over the continuity of the league. The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting tomorrow morning regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19 Statement: https://t.co/ofi5DhIQZM pic.twitter.com/RmnxRHXooz — Premier League (@premierleague) March 12, 2020 × The London based team has shut down two of its training centres for a deep clean, they said: "Our London Colney training centre has been closed after head coach Mikel Arteta received a positive COVID-19 result this evening." 🚨 Clarification Along with #AFCU23 v Tottenham Hotspur at Boreham Wood on Friday, the games involving #AFCU16 and #AFCU18 at Colney on Saturday have also been postponed. pic.twitter.com/WRfFIxpaYZ — Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) March 13, 2020 × They released a statement after Arteta was tested positive: "Arsenal personnel who had recent close contact with Mikel will now self-isolate in line with Government health guidelines. We expect this to be a significant number of people from Colney, including the full first-team squad and coaching staff, as well as a smaller number of people from our Hale End Academy which we have also temporarily closed as a precaution." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the government was considering cancelling sporting events in the United Kingdom, but was not ready to do so yet. But the news of Arteta's positive test could force the Premier League to cancel English top-flight matches. Mikel Arteta is the second big name in the world of football to have tested positive, Juventus defender Daniele Rugani was tested positive on Thursday. Earlier, Brendan Rodgers said that few players of Leicester City showed signs of coronavirus, and have been "kept away from the squad". Spanish giants Real Madrid on Thursday stated that all the members of their squad have been quarantined after a member of Real Madrid's basketball team was tested positive for coronavirus. Since Real Madrid's basketball and football team share the same facility in Ciudad Real Madrid, the club has taken a precautionary step and quarantined the members of basketball and football team on immediate basis. UEFA Champions League, Europa League face major cancellation threat. Serie A and La Liga have suspended their play for a brief moment to contain the outbreak and it seems like Premier League might just be the next target.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Premier League to hold emergency meeting

Liverpool manager <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Jurgen+Klopp">Jurgen Klopp</a> said Thursday he expects to remain at Anfield for at least three more years as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-manchester-city-to-kick-off-premier-league-season-at-west-ham-226813">Premier League</a> giants prepare to kick off their pre-season tour to North America.

Klopp, who successfully guided Liverpool to a sixth Champions League crown last month, was taken aback when asked to comment on reports suggesting he may leave the club when his current contract expires in 2022.

"Wow! I don't think a lot of people get asked that question three years before the contract is expiring," Klopp said.

"We will see. Why should we think about this? At least three years - that's the answer. At least three years."

Media reported last month that Klopp was pondering a sabbatical when his Liverpool contract ends. Agent Mark Kosicke meanwhile has hinted that Klopp may be interested in taking over as coach of the German national team.

Klopp however was solely focused on preparations for the coming season on Thursday as the Reds begin a three-game US tour that starts on Friday against Borussia Dortmund in South Bend, Indiana.

"I'm excited about having the first proper test," said Klopp, who added that he is not overly concerned by results during the tour.

"So far, so good but there is a lot of work to do," said Klopp. "We played at a specific level last year which should be the basis for what we expect from ourselves for next season.

"It's not about results, it’s about performance and there is still space for improvement and that's what we are working on. We know that."

Liverpool's preparations have been disrupted by the international football calendar.

Goalkeeper Alisson and forward Roberto Firmino will only join the squad later in the pre-season following their Copa America campaign with Brazil, while striker Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are also absent due to African Cup of Nations commitments with Egypt and Senegal.

"It's a slightly different situation to last year; players coming back late, we had a shorter holiday than pretty much all the other teams because the Champions League final was three weeks after the season ended," he said.

"So that's the situation but we knew that, we planned that. It still makes it a bit more difficult than in other pre-seasons maybe, but that’s all.

Klopp meanwhile said Liverpool were girding themselves for another daunting title chase with Manchester City, who pipped them to the Premier League crown on the final day of the season.

However Klopp said he expected other teams to improve.

"It would be great if we could be around Man City again because that’s the only possibility to have to pass them because it is already clear they are the big favourite again," Klopp said.

"All the teams will start again: there is no duel with City and Liverpool and all the rest are watching us. That's not how the Premier League is, all of these games are so difficult to play.

"What we did last year, we were really rock solid in all; we were difficult to play, difficult to outplay, in general we always created chances, we were strong in a lot of departments, didn’t get nervous in difficult situations in a game, could increase pressure in different situations on the other teams."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Thursday he expects to remain at Anfield for at least three more years as the Premier League giants prepare to kick off their pre-season tour to North America.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said Thursday he expects to remain at Anfield for at least three more years as the Premier League giants prepare to kick off their pre-season tour to North America. Klopp, who successfully guided Liverpool to a sixth Champions League crown last month, was taken aback when asked to comment on reports suggesting he may leave the club when his current contract expires in 2022. "Wow! I don't think a lot of people get asked that question three years before the contract is expiring," Klopp said. "We will see. Why should we think about this? At least three years - that's the answer. At least three years." Media reported last month that Klopp was pondering a sabbatical when his Liverpool contract ends. Agent Mark Kosicke meanwhile has hinted that Klopp may be interested in taking over as coach of the German national team. Klopp however was solely focused on preparations for the coming season on Thursday as the Reds begin a three-game US tour that starts on Friday against Borussia Dortmund in South Bend, Indiana. "I'm excited about having the first proper test," said Klopp, who added that he is not overly concerned by results during the tour. "So far, so good but there is a lot of work to do," said Klopp. "We played at a specific level last year which should be the basis for what we expect from ourselves for next season. "It's not about results, it’s about performance and there is still space for improvement and that's what we are working on. We know that." Liverpool's preparations have been disrupted by the international football calendar. Goalkeeper Alisson and forward Roberto Firmino will only join the squad later in the pre-season following their Copa America campaign with Brazil, while striker Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are also absent due to African Cup of Nations commitments with Egypt and Senegal. "It's a slightly different situation to last year; players coming back late, we had a shorter holiday than pretty much all the other teams because the Champions League final was three weeks after the season ended," he said. "So that's the situation but we knew that, we planned that. It still makes it a bit more difficult than in other pre-seasons maybe, but that’s all. Klopp meanwhile said Liverpool were girding themselves for another daunting title chase with Manchester City, who pipped them to the Premier League crown on the final day of the season. However Klopp said he expected other teams to improve. "It would be great if we could be around Man City again because that’s the only possibility to have to pass them because it is already clear they are the big favourite again," Klopp said. "All the teams will start again: there is no duel with City and Liverpool and all the rest are watching us. That's not how the Premier League is, all of these games are so difficult to play. "What we did last year, we were really rock solid in all; we were difficult to play, difficult to outplay, in general we always created chances, we were strong in a lot of departments, didn’t get nervous in difficult situations in a game, could increase pressure in different situations on the other teams."

Jurgen Klopp committed to Liverpool as US tour kicks off

There have been few Manchester derbies with as much on the line as Sunday&#39;s meeting at Old Trafford of the top two teams in the Premier League -- the most anticipated clash of the campaign so far.

Pep Guardiola&#39;s City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign.

Not to be completely outdone, however, Jose Mourinho&rsquo;s Manchester United have equalled a historic club record by remaining unbeaten at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions.

And with former Barcelona boss Guardiola and ex-Real Madrid manager Mourinho having developed a fierce rivalry during their time together in Spain, Sunday&#39;s meeting promises to be one to savour.

The last team to beat United at home were City in September, 2016 and a repeat performance would leave the club, once derided as &quot;noisy neighbours&quot; by former United boss Alex Ferguson, 11 points clear at the summit.

City have been playing some exhilarating football this campaign with coach Guardiola&#39;s style of play, which served him so well at his previous clubs, bringing the expected rewards after a disappointing lack of consistency last season.

Yet while United have suffered two defeats on the road - to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea - they too have looked like champions at home.

The 40 games unbeaten have included 29 wins and 11 draws with 85 goals scored and just 17 conceded.

This season&#39;s Premier League record at Old Trafford is played seven, won seven - 20 goals for and just one against.

Mourinho, however, will be without his key French midfielder Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match ban following his red card in Saturday&#39;s crucial 3-1 win at Arsenal.

United have produced their best football when they have had Pogba and Serbian anchorman Nemanja Matic on the field together and the former Juventus midfielder will be sorely missed.

Given the gap between the two clubs in the table, it will be intriguing to see if Mourinho maintains his habit of playing defensively against title rivals, a tactic which has been much criticised following the goalless draw at Liverpool in October.

Pogba, however, says United will approach the game in a positive fashion.

&quot;We want to win. We need to win as well. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing,&quot; he said.

&quot;If I didn&#39;t believe that (we can win it), I&#39;d stop playing football now,&quot; he added.

United&#39;s Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit to feature at some stage in the game but defender Eric Bailly remains sidelined.

Pep Guardiola's City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign.

There have been few Manchester derbies with as much on the line as Sunday's meeting at Old Trafford of the top two teams in the Premier League -- the most anticipated clash of the campaign so far. Pep Guardiola's City have built an eight-point lead following an unbeaten start to the season that has included 13 straight victories - equalling the record for the longest winning run in a single Premier League campaign. Not to be completely outdone, however, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have equalled a historic club record by remaining unbeaten at Old Trafford for 40 matches in all competitions. And with former Barcelona boss Guardiola and ex-Real Madrid manager Mourinho having developed a fierce rivalry during their time together in Spain, Sunday's meeting promises to be one to savour. The last team to beat United at home were City in September, 2016 and a repeat performance would leave the club, once derided as "noisy neighbours" by former United boss Alex Ferguson, 11 points clear at the summit. City have been playing some exhilarating football this campaign with coach Guardiola's style of play, which served him so well at his previous clubs, bringing the expected rewards after a disappointing lack of consistency last season. Yet while United have suffered two defeats on the road - to Huddersfield Town and Chelsea - they too have looked like champions at home. The 40 games unbeaten have included 29 wins and 11 draws with 85 goals scored and just 17 conceded. This season's Premier League record at Old Trafford is played seven, won seven - 20 goals for and just one against. Mourinho, however, will be without his key French midfielder Paul Pogba, who starts a three-match ban following his red card in Saturday's crucial 3-1 win at Arsenal. United have produced their best football when they have had Pogba and Serbian anchorman Nemanja Matic on the field together and the former Juventus midfielder will be sorely missed. Given the gap between the two clubs in the table, it will be intriguing to see if Mourinho maintains his habit of playing defensively against title rivals, a tactic which has been much criticised following the goalless draw at Liverpool in October. Pogba, however, says United will approach the game in a positive fashion. "We want to win. We need to win as well. They need to win because they know that we are behind and we are closing and closing," he said. "If I didn't believe that (we can win it), I'd stop playing football now," he added. United's Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit to feature at some stage in the game but defender Eric Bailly remains sidelined.

Football: Stakes are high in Manchester derby