MPNFL club presidents vote to return to play

We’re back! The MPNFL will return to play this weekend — but players will take a pay cut.

Sam Gilbert takes a kick for Bonbeach. Picture: Valeriu Campan

MPNFL clubs have voted to return to play on Saturday, but players’ match payments will take a cut.

Club presidents met tonight (Wednesday) and agreed to reduce player payments by 50 per cent across the league for this week only.

The cost cutting will ease financial pressure on clubs and allow games to go ahead.

Clubs were given the option of returning to play this week, or waiting another week. They voted overwhelmingly to return.

Under the agreement for this week, clubs will split the umpires’ fees, while the weekly club levy will be removed — and players will receive half their payment.

Earlier on Wednesday, the State Government announced that community sports could resume from lockdown – but without spectators.

The ruling means that without crowds clubs will be denied match-day income including food and drink sales, raffles, player sponsors and functions.

Many clubs questioned if it was worth playing if spectators were banned.

But AFL South East’s idea to reduce player payments to ease financial pressure on clubs was well received.

Some clubs have queried how they will police spectators being at games this weekend.