Portsmouth, Ipswich and Oxford get salary cap boost as PFA claim proposals would be 'unlawful and unenforceable'

Today's vote takes place at 1pm. Picture: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

And in a report sent to club chief executives and the EFL, the players’ union admitted it had ‘significant reservations’ about proposals which represent a ‘seismic change’ in English football.

League One and Two clubs will today vote on the wage ceiling proposals which will see clubs in the third tier operate under a £2.5m cap.

Clubs in the fourth tier will be limited to £1.5m per season.

Despite being an advocate of sustainability in football, Pompey chief executive Mark Catlin has been leading the fight against the plans, labelling them ‘disgraceful’.

And today he warned the vote, which takes place this lunchtime, could send the game spinning into a legal war.

A statement released by the PFA backs up that thesis, with the body stating that the EFL is legally obliged to consult with them and the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee over any potential changes to a player’s conditions.

They claim that has not a happened as the league bids to rush through their measures ahead of the new season – something the PFA is ‘gravely concerned’ about.

As a result, the union has called for a period of expedited arbitration in August in a bid to reach an agreement on a way forward.

Raising concerns that the proposed cap is being rushed through without proper consideration or consultation. a PFA statement read: ‘Like everyone involved in football, we want to see sustainable clubs at all levels.

‘We absolutely understand and appreciate the huge economic pressure that clubs have come under due to the COVID-19 crisis.

‘However, we have significant reservations about the measures being proposed and the speed at which these are being implemented.

‘The introduction of a salary cap in English football represents a seismic change.

‘It is a change that will have far-reaching and significant impacts right across the professional game.

‘We must take the time to ensure that these are properly considered and understood.

‘We have been surprised and disappointed at the level of consultation and engagement around these proposals so far.

‘It is, undoubtedly, in the best interests of the clubs, the leagues and the players that we work together on this important issue.

‘Today, we have invited the EFL to a period of expedited arbitration in August, before the next season starts and the transfer window closes, in order to reach a shared agreement on the way forward.

‘The EFL has a legal obligation to consult with the PFA and the Professional Football Negotiating and Consultative Committee (PFNCC), over any potential changes to a player’s conditions.

‘This consultation has not happened, and as such, we are gravely concerned that any cap brought in will be unlawful and unenforceable, which will ultimately be detrimental to everyone involved.’