Dons players to take 25 per cent wage deferral for April

"We're doing things as recommended by the EFL and PFA and doing it a month at a time"

The players at MK Dons have agreed universally to take a 25 per cent wage deferral for April, chairman Pete Winkelman confirmed this morning.

Stadium MK employs around 700 people, including Dons players and staff, but placed the majority onto furlough last month.Top-flight footballers came under fire for not taking pay cuts, however after discussions with the EFL and the PFA - the player's union - agreements have been drawn up to ensure wages can be deferred.

Winkelman said: "We've been monitoring the EFL position and the conversations with the PFA. I felt it was important not to go to the players before there was an agreement in place to discuss at 25 per cent deferral for April. We've taken that up and discussed it with the players and I'm thrilled that all of the players showed solidarity.

"Some of the players have weeks left on their contracts so it's a big thing to have to think about. Too much pressure is put on players – we all sign contracts and we all do that with our eyes open. It's not our fault this has happened, and it's not the players' fault either.

"Everyone at Stadium MK has taken some pain. We have a tremendous bank which understands the strength of the core business, and it gives us medium-term potential. However long this goes on for, who knows, but I can say everything is OK at the moment. Over 700 people have taken some pain to help everyone get through it.

"While it is kicking the can down the road, it's massive from the players to agree to allow us to stop some of their wages."