Football stars support colleagues

English football is heading for its first major strike after the players' union rejected a much improved offer of £52 million over three years from the game's authorities. The money goes to assist lower-paid members who are leaving the game or those who have fallen on hard times.

Footballers in the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) voted 99% in favour of strike action over the distribution of television money. The PFA has called a strike from 1 December affecting any matches at which TV cameras are present and in use.

Gordon Taylor, general secretary of the PFA, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the unanimous support of our members."