The human impact of the Coronavirus is terrible and all of our thoughts are with families affected.
While we want to do whatever we can as an organisation to help the national effort, we're also doing what we can to protect jobs within our organisation.
As a not-for-profit governing body, we're responsible for promoting and developing every level of the game. All of our profits are invested back into English football to support and grow the game for all. The less money we generate, the less flows back into the game. For example, we will generate less for community pitches or Wildcat centres across England. It’s that simple.
We've taken an immediate and significant financial impact due to the postponement of England internationals, Emirates FA Cup matches and Wembley events, and there is currently no clear timescale on when they will return. The total financial impact is currently forecast to be around £100m, but it could easily exceed £150m depending on the duration of the Government’s necessary medical measures.
Along with many other organisations across the country, we are currently reviewing our financial model during this challenging period. We want to take prudent and appropriate steps to help protect and support the FA and our employees during this unpredictable time.
We are proposing that all employees earning £50,000 or more per annum will take a temporary pay reduction of 7.5 per cent. In the spirit of those on higher salaries taking the greater responsibility, the Senior Management team have agreed to cut their pay by 15 per cent with the highest earners in the organisation agreeing to reduce their pay by up to 30 per cent.
We will also be utilising the recently introduced employee ‘furlough’ scheme as a contingency plan whilst we continue to plan for the return of football, once it is safe to do so.
These are extraordinary and challenging times and we do not take these decisions lightly. However, as an organisation we will support each other as best we can.
I’m incredibly proud of the way our workforce has adapted to the changeable circumstances. Their dedication and commitment to their roles has not waivered and their ongoing diligence has been exceptional. Their talent and passion drives this organisation to ever higher levels, and we are committed to doing everything we can to support and protect them.
