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'Furloughing wasn't designed for billionaire owners': Culture secretary Oliver Dowden warns Premier League sides that scheme should be 'last resort' and public will take 'dim view' of clubs like Tottenham taking advantage

Rich Premier League clubs should only furlough staff as a 'last resort' and the job retention scheme was not intended for 'billionaire' owners, warned culture secretary Oliver Dowden.

The coronavirus crisis has prompted a number of top sides to furlough non-playing staff but there has been a backlash with many critical of the wealthy teams choosing to take advantage of the program intended to help struggling businesses and employees stay afloat.

Tottenham, Newcastle, Bournemouth, and Norwich have all furloughed non-playing staff, meaning the government will cover 80 per cent of wages up to £2500 per month.