THE Professional Footballers’ Association has warned that a 30 per cent pay cut would see the government lose up to £200million in tax revenues.

Premier League players have come under increasing pressure to have their wages slashed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Captains from each top-flight team held a conference call on Saturday to discuss how they can play their part and it was made clear that they want to help.

However, they want the money to be used for the right reasons and not as a tool to save finances.

A PFA statement on behalf of the Premier League players read: "All Premier League players want to, and will, play their part in making significant financial contributions in these unprecedented times.

"Going forward, we are working together to find a solution which will be continually reviewed in order to assess the circumstance of the COVID-19 crisis.

"The players are mindful that as PAYE employees, the combined tax on their salaries is a significant contribution to funding essential public services - which are especially critical at this time.

"Taking a 30 per cent salary deduction will cost the Exchequer substantial sums. This would be detrimental to our NHS and other government-funded services.

"The proposed 30 per cent salary deduction over a 12-month period equates to over £500m in wage reductions and a loss in tax contributions of over £200m to the government.

"What effect does this loss of earning to the government mean for the NHS? Was this considered in the Premier League proposal and did the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock factor this in when asking players to take a salary cut?"

Furthermore, the PFA says Premier League players want to ensure their contributions support their clubs, the full remuneration of non-playing staff, the EFL and non-league clubs, as well as the NHS.

The Premier League pledged an advance of £125m to the EFL and National League as well as a £20m donation to the NHS and other community causes on Friday, but its players says neither of the payments are enough.

The PFA statement added: "(The charity money) is welcome, but we believe it could be far bigger.

"The EFL money is an advance. Importantly, it will aid cashflow in the immediate, but football needs to find a way to increase funding to the EFL and non-league clubs in the long-term.

"Many clubs require an increase in funding just to survive. We believe in our football pyramid and again stress the need for solidarity between all clubs."