FIFPro against player layoffs, wage cuts to reduce coronavirus impact

Global players’ union FIFPro has called on soccer clubs to stop firing players or cutting their salaries before talks.

FIFPro says it’s “extremely concerned” that clubs in several countries “have begun to immediately lay off players or unilaterally reduce their salaries” because of the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Netherlands-based union says many players worldwide earn at or below average domestic income “and would be severely affected by salary decreases.”

One club in Switzerland, Sion, terminated the contracts of nine players including former Arsenal pair Johan Djourou and Alexandre Song, who declined to accept reduced wages in a federal unemployment insurance program.

FIFPro, which represents 65,000 men’s and women’s players, urges “clubs with short-term financial difficulties to meet with national player unions to negotiate fair and proportionate arrangements.”