Maidstone United defender Jerome Binnom-Williams and fellow National League captains seek urgent talks with the FA over proposed contract changes

Maidstone defender Jerome Binnom-Williams has put his name to a letter from National League captains calling on the FA to rethink proposed changes to non-league contracts.

Binnom-Williams, wearing the armband in the absence of Gavin Hoyte, and his fellow skippers say they are "shocked and frustrated" to learn of "significant changes" which potentially affect the rights of injured players.

Under current contracts, an injured player continues to be paid their full wages for the duration of their contract.

However, under new proposals, a player would receive their full wages for just 12 weeks in the National League or six weeks below National League level before reverting to statutory sick pay of £99.35 a week.

In addition, clubs would have powers to terminate the contract of a player, with three months' notice, if they are unable to play through illness or injury for a period of four months.

At present, a contract can only be terminated if a player suffers a permanent incapacity.

The proposals have been met with strong opposition, with National League captains seeking "urgent talks" with the FA.

The letter in full says:

"As a collective we are writing to you on behalf of all National League players who are shocked and frustrated at the significant changes which are being proposed to the standard non-league contract.

"If implemented, these changes will have a serious and negative impact on the rights of players, particularly those who suffer injuries and illness.

"Twenty-two of the 24 teams currently competing in the National League are fully professional. Football to us is more than just a game. It is our livelihood and the sole mechanism for financially supporting our families.

"Our clubs expect us to put our bodies on