PFA defend top stars' wages

Footballers’ Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has defended the huge wages received by some of his members.

The News of the World today published a list of what they believe are the Premiership’s biggest earners.

They claim that at least 10 players earn upwards of £50,000 (€70,000) a week, with Frank Lampard, Patrick Vieira and Sol Campbell joint top of the table on a whopping £99,000 (€140,000).

Taylor told the same newspaper: “You can’t blame players for wanting the best wages when they are the ones making their clubs successful.

“They do not have a long career and have to make the most of it while they can. They will be performing for their country and their clubs in a high-pressure environment and are expected to deliver week in, week out.

“The fact is, these wages are paid by the clubs in the demand for success and the game has never enjoyed as much income from gate receipts, television and sponsorship.

“If the game is hoping to try and attract the best players from all over the world, it is inevitable they must offer the best pay deals.

“Every labourer is worth his hire and it is not as if the player is putting the club’s arm up its back. It is up to clubs to balance budgets and it is only fair that players should share in the income the game is getting.”