‘Man City stars could go on strike’ over new Premier League fight
Man City as a club have not shied away from clashing with the Premier League over their rulebook but players may now also become involved in the fight.
The new clash has come after a proposed introduction of new financial rules, which would limit how much clubs can spend on transfer fees, agent fees and player wages.
Man City and Man United are backing the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) as they accuse the league of a “flagrant breach” of an agreement that requires the union to be consulted on issues affecting players’ compensation and working conditions.
The PFA, which views the plans as an effective salary cap, could initiate strike action if a satisfactory outcome is not reached.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on potential strike action at Premier League clubs.
Fans would not have sympathy with striking stars, says Wyness
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness has insisted the Premier League are calling the PFA’s bluff – as any strike action by “multi-million-pound footballers” will not be well-received by the public.
The NBA and NFL have seen player walkouts in the past over the introduction of salary caps and non-guaranteed contracts.
Wyness insisted the PFA are “not an effective voice for the players” – with more important issues, like player welfare, at hand.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “There’s a really big picture about the role of players in the game.
“We all know that is where most of the money goes in the Premier League.
“85% of some of the top clubs’ turnover is going into the wages.
“The whole position of the PFA is about anchoring, which is the new way the Premier League are trying to regulate spending.
“They say it’s going to restrain earnings and set limits like a wage cap.
“The ultimate situation here is that we get into a strike situation with players. The NBA and NFL have had that situation, so there is precedent.
“At present, I think the PFA should think about this. They aren’t funded by the players, they’re funded by the Premier League.
“I think that’s an important point. Secondly, will there be a real sympathy from the public?
“These are multi-million-pound players going on strike to say you’re stopping us from earning.
“It’s not going to be a strong position for them.
“The Premier League are calling the PFA’s bluff. It’s time for the players to sit at the table on other matters, such as the football calendar.
“It’s very important, but I don’t think the PFA are an effective voice for the players. There needs to be some thinking on how this is dealt with going forward.”
Man City line up right-back and midfielder deals
Meanwhile, Man City are set to prioritise the signing of a new right-back and central midfielder this summer.
City fast-tracked their transfer plans with four big-money January signings- which had initially been planned for the summer.
| Position | Club | Games | Points | GD (+/-) |
| 3 | Nottingham Forest | 27 | 48 | +11 |
| 4 | Man City | 27 | 47 | +16 |
| 5 | Chelsea | 27 | 46 | +16 |
| 6 | Newcastle | 27 | 44 | +8 |
£180million was spent on the arrivals of Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis and Nico Gonzalez in an attempt to strengthen their underperforming side.
City are through to the FA Cup quarter-finals but are only fourth in the Premier League and have already been eliminated from the Champions League.
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