The Norwich City players, along with Daniel Farke, the executive committee and the club’s board have agreed to donate more than £200,000 to help people and charities impacted by the global pandemic.

The Canaries’ players, head coach and executive committee will donate a percentage of their salaries, with the club’s owners and directors also contributing to the goodwill cause.

The money, which amounts to over £200,000, will initially be used to buy and distribute food and essential toiletry packages for those in need in the Norwich and the wider Norfolk community.

A team of volunteers will help assemble the packages at Carrow Road, whilst the club will make use of the Community Sports Foundation’s minibuses to help distribute in conjunction with local community groups.

Funds wil also be released to a selection of local charities and organisations who are in need of support and resource.

City’s playing staff are believed to have contributed a large proportion of the total club donation.

“There are clearly a lot of complexities and discussions happening at this time, but right now this absolutely is the best thing we can do for our community,” said captain Grant Hanley, speaking on the club’s official site.

“As a group of players, we wanted to stand up and do our bit. The lads have heard at firsthand stories and challenges that some of our supporters are currently facing. We need to make sure we’re reaching out and helping those who have been hit hard and are struggling at this time.

“It’s clear the club are doing everything possible to help both staff, fans and the wider community at this challenging time, and we want to make sure we’re also contributing.”

City, along with an increasing number of clubs, announced on Tuesday they plan to furlough members of staff, while pledging to top up the salaries of affected workers, as part of the government’s job retention scheme.

Sporting director Stuart Webber had outlined in recent days exploratory talks have been held over potential player wage deferrals. The PFA met with representatives from the Premier League, EFL and LMA on Wednesday to work out a collective way forward for the professional game.

Further discussions are now planned over the coming days, according to a joint press release, which read: ‘Senior representatives from the professional Footballers’ Association (PFA), the Premier League, the EFL and the League Managers Association (LMA) met and shared a constructive meeting regarding the challenges facing the game as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘The meeting reiterated that the overriding priority is the health and wellbeing of the nation - including that of players, coaches, managers, club staff and supporters – and everyone agreed football must only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so.

‘No decisions were taken, with discussions set to continue in the next 48 hours with a focus on several high-profile matters, including player wages and the resumption of the 2019/20 season.’

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