FOOTBALL'S governing bodies admit "difficult decisions" will have to be taken to deal with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Premier League, EFL and Professional Footballers' Association have met to discuss the economic implications of the suspension of the season.

"The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions," said a joint statement.

The pinch is already being felt with Birmingham asking some players to defer half their pay, while players at Leeds have volunteered for a wage deferral.

There will be further talks next week to formulate a joint plan.

Last week the projected restart of the season was put back until April 30, and that date has not changed.

Meanwhile a decision on whether this season's British Grand Prix goes ahead could be taken as early as next week.

Formula One bosses are in the process of putting together a new schedule after the opening eight races were called off.

But their hand could be forced, with the All England Club holding an emergency summit on whether this year's Wimbledon, which concludes a week before the British Grand Prix, will take place.

Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said: "It is not our decision alone."

World Athletics is prepared to be flexible on the dates for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics but president Lord Coe has appeared to indicate a springtime Games would not be ideal from a track and field perspective.

Initial discussions took place on Thursday between the International Olympic Committee and international sports federations about the best slot for the Games which will now take place no later than the summer of 2021.

Coe said the spirit of Thursday's meeting as it was relayed to him was one of co-operation and flexibility, but he did accept that peaking in April and May was difficult for an athlete.

"I wouldn't disagree with that," he said, when it was put to him that athletes rarely find their best form at that time of year.

Elsewhere, Bath have become the latest Gallagher Premiership club to announce pay cuts for players and staff.

And golf's Evian Championship, one of five majors in the women's game, will move from July 23-26 to August 6-9, the week vacated by the postponement of the Olympics, tournament officials announced.