Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough back's decision to take another look at EFL salary cap plans

Nigel Clough believes aspects of the planned EFL salary cap needed refining. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

The salary cap was brought in by the league as part of attempts to cut costs and the impact of financial losses caused by COVID-19.

It would have given Stags and their League Two rivals a maximum cap of £1.25m.

But a claim by the Professional Footballers' Association that the caps were "unlawful and unenforceable" was upheld by the panel.

Nigel Clough has questioned whether Sunderland and Accrington should have the same wage restrictions. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Clough backed the verdict and says the salary cap plans were rushed in and were a ‘knee-jerk’ reaction.

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“I think it is a very sensible decision,” said Clough. “I have nothing against salary caps in principle but it has to be right and thought through.

“I thought it was a bit of a knee-jerk reaction to the lockdown.

“Hopefully one will come in when there has been negotiations with all the relevant parties.

“Medical expenses were included in the salary cap, things like that need to be looked at.

“You have to look at U21 and U23 players. You have academy players, that should be exempt. U21 players were exempt.

“It needed some refining and it is a good step for now. It opens the way for proper negotiations.

“The biggest thing you have is the different size of clubs in the leagues. In League One you have Sunderland with 30,000 fans every week and Accrington with 2,500, should they be operating under the same wage bill?”

EFL and the clubs will now discuss the situation at meetings in the coming days.

The panel ruled that by introducing a cap the league was in breach of the constitution of the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee, which includes representatives of the PFA, the EFL, the Premier League and the Football Association.

"Like everyone involved in football, the PFA wants to see sustainable clubs at all levels. We also recognise the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the Covid-19 crisis," the players' union said in a statement.

"The PFA believes it is now in the best interest of the leagues, the clubs, and the players to work together to promote financial stability."

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