Soccer: Step-by-step guide to possible player's strike

IrishExaminer.com's guide to how the dispute over TV money between the Professional Footballers’ Association and the Premier League has unfolded and where it goes from here following overwhelming backing from PFA members for a call for strike action.

1 The PFA gave clubs seven days’ notice that they were sending out ballot papers proposing industrial action to their 3,500 members.

2 The ballot papers were sent out by an independent body, the Electoral Reform Society, who collected them in again and counted the ballots. They then informed the PFA of the result.

3 Of the 2,315 ballot papers returned by members - three of which were spoiled 2,290 voted in favour of strike action. That represents a 99% backing for the union.

4 If the PFA press ahead with industrial action they will have to do so within a month of the ballot, having given the clubs a week’s notice.

5 The Premier League will not take any immediate action following the announcement of the ballot results. But - if they fail to agree an acceptable deal next week and the PFA press ahead with a strike - they are expected to take out an injunction to prevent the action going ahead.

6 If the Premier League do take out an injunction the matter will then go to the High Court where a judge will decide whether such a strike is legitimate.