'Absolute joke... would reduce standards' - Portsmouth fans voice concerns over proposed wage cap

Pompey fans have joined chief executive Mark Catlin in voicing their disapproval of plans to introduce a salary cap on clubs ahead of the 2020-21 season.
Pompey fans have been sharing their thoughts on the EFL's proposed wage cap.  Picture: Habibur RahmanPompey fans have been sharing their thoughts on the EFL's proposed wage cap.  Picture: Habibur Rahman
Pompey fans have been sharing their thoughts on the EFL's proposed wage cap. Picture: Habibur Rahman

The Blues CEO called the proposal an ‘absolute disgrace’ and admitted the prospective £2.5m ceiling is already impacting upon Pompey's summer recruitment plans.

And it appears Blues fans are in agreement – if comments on our Facebook page are anything to go by.

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Here’s what a selection of supporters have been saying as the Blues prepare to see a wage bill currently sitting at around £4m cut by £1.5m if the EFL get their way.

Gavin Thomas: If I was a club &/or player I would challenge this proposal.

As a club I would highlight the financial fair play requirement already in place & the integrity of the competition, based on clubs in like leagues of other countries being able to have a playing budget based on income.

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As a player I would highlight the effect on squad sizes, therefore reducing their ability to earn a living in their chosen trade & effectively capping their earning capacity.

Yes it’s worked in other sports but club sizes/attendances are roughly the same (I believe).

Alex Madgwick: Whilst I’m not massively in favour of a wage cap (I wouldn’t be happy if my employer imposed one), I think it should be based on income rather than a flat rate as some clubs do have superior revenue streams.

If clubs have the money coming in, it’s sustainable and the wages won’t break them then why not spend it?

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Dom Calvert: Absolute joke. Not our fault we’re a big fish in a small pond.

It should be a percentage based on each club’s individual finances.

Ben Nicholas: I very much doubt it will come to fruition. Any financial deductions to any team so far when challenged gets over thrown.

Chelsea were due to be banned for two seasons and it was for one as the appeal threw it out.

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Man City were due to be out the Champions League but that’s been thrown out.

The EFL can’t even do fit and proper persons tests correctly (us with Al Faraj and Wigan’s current situation) how will they sort this out fairly?

All will happen is players will get 1,800 per week plus a bonus of x amount per week plus appearance fees or unused player fee’s there will be more clauses than paint splatter on a painters radio.

Doug McEwen: £1800 a week? There are non-league players on £1500 a week.

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This proposal would reduce standards in League One and Two. Awful move if it happens.

Paul Fowling: This will lower standards across the division and could work against what it's hoping to achieve given the demand from fans/boards for immediate success.

Teams could whittle down reserves/youth team etc to free up money for higher wages and survive on smaller squads.

One £4k a week striker guaranteed to play and (hopefully) score 20 a season is better than four players earning £1k on the bench.

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