SUNDERLAND AFC have confirmed that it has placed its players and backroom staff on furlough leave due to the "impact" of the coronavirus pandemic.

This afternoon, the club said its first-team players, contracted academy players and backroom staff had been furloughed and would remain on 'full pay.'

A statement from the club said: "Last week, the FA, the Premier League and the EFL announced they would be collectively postponing their competitions until such time that it is safe for them to resume.

"At this moment in time, SAFC has no intention to ask any players or staff to take a wage reduction or deferral on their salary, and the club remains fully committed to ensuring all employees are paid in full.

"A small number of staff, including manager Phil Parkinson, continue to work from home, and the club’s priority remains the health and wellbeing of its players, staff, supporters and local community during this unprecedented period."

The club recently placed the majority of its non-playing staff on the government's furlough leave scheme.

The recently announced government jobs retention scheme, which covers 80 percent of wages - up to £2,500, is being topped up by the club for non-playing staff.