Barrow Players Offered Larger Bonus to Lose to Chelsea: Integrity of Competition Called into Question
Barrow’s players have been offered a bigger bonus should they lose their Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea than if they win.
The extraordinary document raises potential concerns about the integrity of the League Cup, as Barrow appear to have effectively given their players a financial incentive to underperform. Barrow declined to comment, but club sources claimed the bonus sheet contained errors which would be corrected.
The English Football League also declined to comment, but are believed to be unimpressed with Barrow’s bizarre bonus scheme. It is not thought to breach their regulations, but the EFL have asked the club to explain themselves. It is the first time the EFL have encountered a club offering bigger bonues to players for losing rather than winning games.
Barrow are understood to have spoken to the EFL after being contacted by Telegraph Sport on Friday, and reassured them that the bonus scheme would be changed. All clubs’ bonuses must be agreed with the players by the start of the season before being lodged with the EFL.
Barrow’s Bonus Scheme Details
Barrow’s bonus scheme details all the player payments they have agreed for progress in cup competitions this season, with the League Cup bonus schedule containing numerous anomalies.
Even losing to a Championship club in the third round would have earnt the players an extra £750. In the extremely unlikely event that Barrow go on to win the Carabao Cup, the players would only get a £1,000 bonus.
FA Cup Bonus Scheme
Barrow’s FA Cup bonus scheme is more logical. After modest win bonuses of £400 to £800 in the early rounds, the figures increase to £2,625 per man from the third round. Losing to a Premier League club in the third round will earn the players £1,000, with a defeat by a Championship club worth £750.
A Controversial Incentive
The revelation of Barrow’s bonus scheme has sparked debate about the integrity of the competition. Some argue that the club has created a financial incentive for players to lose, potentially undermining the spirit of fair play. Others maintain that the EFL’s regulations are not clear enough on this issue and that Barrow’s actions may have been unintentional.
Whatever the reason, Barrow’s bonus scheme has certainly raised eyebrows. The EFL’s response will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
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