Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as a fifth, the La Liga club announced on Wednesday, as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, Real said players and coaches from the side's football and basketball teams, as well as key directors, had voluntarily agreed to the reduction, of either 10 or 20 % , "depending on the circumstances that may affect the closing of the current 2019/20 sports season".
Real didn't say what circumstances would affect the rate of salary cut, but Spanish media reported players will receive 10% less if the season is completed and 20% less if the current campaign is terminated.
The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros ($30.4 million and $60.8 million) off Real's salary bill.
Real Madrid C. F. reduces its expenses for this season.
— Real Madrid C.F. ???? (@realmadriden) April 8, 2020
Players, coaches and employees agree on a major savings initiative with the club.#RealMadrid
It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70% .
La Liga has recommended clubs take advantage of the scheme, and both Sevilla and Espanyol have also put in a request to be included on the ERTE scheme.
Over 14,000 people have died from COVID-19 in Spain, the second worst hit country from the virus after Italy, with 146,690 registered cases.