SOUTHEND United chairman Ron Martin is not a fan of a restrictive salary cap.

Clubs in League One and League Two have voted in favour of the cap which comes in with immediate effect.

But Martin told Echospsort he does not believe an owner should be restricted.

He said: “I don’t agree with salary capping where it limits an owner’s investment in a football club.”

The cap will be set at £2.5million in League One and £1.5m in League Two.

A statement from the EFL read: "The decision follows extensive and comprehensive consultation with all clubs in respect of addressing sustainability and wage inflation issues across the EFL which were initiated prior to the suspension of football in March following the Covid-19 outbreak and have continued during the course of the summer."

Players' union the Professional Footballers' Association has expressed concerns about the proposals as they are drafted, and has called for further consultation and clarity around the objectives for introducing a cap.

It is understood 22 League Two clubs were in favour of a cap, with two against.

The EFL said the cap would cover basic wages, taxes, bonuses, image rights, agents' fees and other fees and expenses paid directly or indirectly to all registered players.

Promotion bonuses or incentives payable for success in cup competitions will not be included, the EFL said, and any income generated from players going out on loan is deducted from the club's salary cap calculation.