PREMIER League clubs will ask their players to take 30 per cent wage cuts or deferalls to help with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The division is also donating £20million to the NHS, as well as £125million being made available to help other clubs lower down the English football pyramid.

Following a shareholders meeting today, the top flight also announced the season had been suspended indefinitely and “will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so”.

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake was part of the conference call involving all 20 Premier League teams, as well as chairman Jeff Mostyn.

The Dorset club announced earlier this week that Blake, along with technical director Richard Hughes, manager Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall had all taken “significant” voluntary wage cuts for the duration of the pandemic.

Cherries also announced “a number” of non-playing staff would be placed on furlough, with the government’s coronavirus job retention scheme set to make up 80 per cent of their wages up to £2,500 per month.

The club have agreed to top up the remainder of their wages however – meaning their income would not be reduced throughout the global crisis.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said on Thursday players should now "take a pay cut and play their part."

Following the meeting, a Premier League statement said: “In the face of substantial and continuing losses for the 2019-20 season since the suspension of matches began, and to protect employment throughout the professional game, Premier League clubs unanimously agreed to consult their players regarding a combination of conditional reductions and deferrals amounting to 30 per cent of total annual remuneration.

"This guidance will be kept under constant review as circumstances change. The league will be in regular contact with the PFA and the union will join a meeting which will be held tomorrow between the league, players and club representatives."

On the subject of the season restarting, the statement said: "It was acknowledged that the Premier League will not resume at the beginning of May - and that the 2019-20 season will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

"The restart date is under constant review with all stakeholders, as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic develops and we work together through this very challenging time."

The Premier League also announced its intention to assist the EFL and the National League, with clubs at that level hardest hit by the loss of matchday revenue.

"Discussions also took place regarding financial relief for clubs in the short term and while there is no single solution, measures are to be put in place to immediately deal with the impact of falling cash flow," the statement said.

"Critically, the league unanimously voted to advance funds of £125million to the EFL and National League as it is aware of the severe difficulties clubs throughout the football pyramid are suffering at this time."

A further £20million will be committed to the NHS and others left vulnerable by the pandemic.

The statement said: "This includes a direct financial contribution to the NHS and funds to enable clubs to refocus their efforts and develop significant outreach programmes to help communities, including those most in need.

“This funding will enable both immediate and longer-term support during the crisis.

“The overriding priority is to aid the health and wellbeing of the nation and our communities, including players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters.”