Clubs in League One and League Two have today voted for the introduction of new financial controls inthe form of ‘Squad Salary Caps’ into their respective divisions which take effect immediately.
The decision follows extensive and comprehensive consultation with all Clubs in respect of addressing
sustainability and wage inflation issues across the EFL which were initiated prior to the suspension of
football in March following the COVID-19 outbreak and have continued during the course of the summer.
Those discussions culminated in today’s divisional vote, with representatives of League One and
League Two Clubs opting to implement the new measures in place of the existing Salary Cost
Management Protocols (SCMP), with fixed caps of £2.5million and £1.5million respectively.
League One and Two Clubs are also going to continue discussions towards the introduction of additional
measures aimed at addressing Club financial sustainability.
When calculating total salary spending, the ‘cap’ includes:
Basic Wages;
Taxes;
Bonuses;
Image rights;
Agents’ fees and;
Other fees and expenses paid directly or indirectly to all registered players.
Payments directly linked to a Club’s progression in cup competitions or promotion are excluded from
the Cap, while any income generated from players going out on loan is deducted from the Club’s Salary
Cap calculation.
Transition arrangements have been incorporated in respect of a Club’s squad salary cap calculation
with the key element of these aimed at addressing committed contracts and relegated Clubs. Any
contract entered into on or prior to today’s vote will be capped at an agreed divisional average until that
contract expires. Moving forwards, Clubs that are relegated will be permitted to cap all contracts at the
divisional average prior to the Club’s relegation until those contracts expire.
An ‘overrun’ concept is also included if a Club’s total squad salary payments exceed the Cap by up to
5%, whereby dependent on the percentage level of the overrun, a financial penalty would be payable
for every £1 in excess. Clubs exceeding the ‘overrun’ would be referred to an Independent Disciplinary
Commission, although the EFL will monitor the Cap on a real-time basis throughout the season as is
the current position with SCMP measures across the two divisions.
Where breaches do occur, sanction guidelines are in place to be considered as appropriate by an independent Disciplinary Commission.
EFL CEO, David Baldwin said: “The term ‘salary cap’ is an emotive one, creating the impression of a
restrictive measure but we are clear in our view that this is neither the objective nor the likely effect of
these changes to EFL Regulations.
"The financial impact of Covid-19 will be profound for EFL Clubs and today’s vote will help ensure Clubs cannot extend themselves to the point that could cause financial
instability.
“Over the last two weeks the discussions amongst Clubs in both Leagues One and Two have been
healthy and constructive, allowing us to reach a clear consensus today and I am pleased that the Clubs
have determined to adopt the new approach.
"We will now work with all Clubs, the PFA and, where appropriate, other stakeholders to implement the new rules and continue our efforts to bring long-term
sustainability to the EFL.”