As the coronavirus spread throughout Europe, the top soccer leagues on the continent shut down their games, some after playing a handful of games behind closed doors. Now, Juventus players, along with head coach Maurizio Sarri, are helping their club financially by taking what amounts to a four-month pay cut, according to ESPN.
In a statement released by the club on Saturday, Juventus acknowledged that the total savings will be close to €90 million, and will encompass the salaries for March, April, May, and June. The club also noted that it will negotiate if games are restarted this season:
Should the current season’s matches be rescheduled, the Club will negotiate in good faith with the players and the coach conditional increases of compensation according to the actual resumption and finalisation of official competitions.
The movement to agree to a pay cut was reportedly led by longtime Juventus center back Giorgio Chiellini, following reports that star striker Cristiano Ronaldo was planning to give up nearly €4 million of his own salary for the financial health of the club.
Juventus isn’t the only high-profile club to see a wage cut for its staff and players; Spanish first division sides FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid both imposed cuts this week, after La Liga was shut down similarly to Serie A due to the pandemic.
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