24 March 2023 , 15:41
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The captains of all 24 National League clubs have signed a letter demanding action on the new non-league contracts.
Non-league players have been left furious after plans were revealed to impose a new standard contract which has caused huge uproar. Under the new contracts, clubs will only have to pay injured players in full for a minimum of 12 weeks. Clubs can then reduce wages to statutory sick pay - £99.35 a week - until they are fit, or up to 28 weeks.
They will also be able to serve notice on players in what is seen as a major threat to earnings and security of non-league players and has led to calls for a player strike.
The captains have all now joined together to take a stand and have taken advice from the Professional Footballers’ Association before drafting a letter to the chief executives of the Football Association and National League.
It will affect non-league players but also has a knock-on effect because of promotion and relegation from the EFL. Swindon striker Charlie Austin, a former non-league striker, is one of several high profile voices to speak up against the plan.
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Austin tweeted: "This is a joke surely! Who has come up with the idea sat around a table and thought you know what how does this sound.. all agree yep let’s do it!! Seriously it’s an actual embarrassment! To all the players who play in non league and this document applies to you then I’m sorry!!"
Around 85 per cent of National League players are former PFA members and they are determined to fight the plan. The players’ union has warned about the dangers of the new standard contract. The contract proposals have been widely shared on social media and have caused a major backlash.
Charlie Austin has hit out at the proposals (Kieran McManus/REX/Shutterstock)The argument has been made to make non-league football more flexible, viable and financially sustainable but several clubs have already insisted they will not impose some of the rules on players.
The letter calls for an urgent meeting with the FA and National League as it insists it is unfair to penalise players for getting injured or sick.
They insist that football is their livelihood and their families are reliant on their earnings which should not just be switched off with a bad tackle or a nasty injury.
Players are also furious that they were locked out of any discussions or proposals on the contract plan and warn it is causing them major stress.