Barcelona players refused to take deduced wages, while the Coronavirus pandemic has suspended all the football activities in Europe.
While the football is suspended in Spain due to the spread of the Coronavirus, it has been reported that Barcelona players are not willing to take reduced wages amidst the crises.
According to a report by the ESPN, Barcelona players have rejected a proposal to have their wages significantly reduced as the club attempts to minimise the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic.
The players are understood to be willing to take a hit on their salaries, but they are not happy with the terms that have been suggested by the board so far.
Spanish newspaper AS has reported that four captains of Barcelona (Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto) have rejected the proposal.
But negotiations between the management and captains are said to be continuing. The wage cut, per Football Espana, would be applicable to all senior teams at the club – including the women’s football team and the men’s basketball team.
But it’s the Men’s football team which takes most of the amount, as the combined wage bill is over €500 million – the highest of any professional sports club in the world.
It’s understood that Barcelona can still apply the wage cut even if the players refuse to agree to it. It’s their legal right under the Spain’s State of Emergency to apply the ERTE temporary redundancy scheme.
Many UEFA members have advocated that the players should take the wage cut till the situation improves, as the halt in the schedule will financially burden the clubs.
Also read: Barcelona uploads compilation video of Lionel Messi’s greatest ever assists
Some players at various clubs have already agreed to wage cuts. At Leeds United, the players, coaching staff and senior management team have all taken a wage deferral for the foreseeable future to ensure that all non-football staff can be paid.
