Covid-19: Messi announces Barca players will take 70 per cent pay-cut

Barcelona are one of a number of European clubs taking pay cuts during the pandemic Barcelona players will take a 70 per centpay cut during the coronavirus pandemic and make additional contributions to ensure non-sporting staff receive full wages. Captain Lionel Messi said the move was delayed as the players were “looking for a formula to help the club”. Juventus players and manager Maurizio Sarri agreed to freeze their pay for four months at the weekend Spain’s national death toll now stands at 7,340, making it the worst-affected country in the world behind Italy. German sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, have also agreed to take pay cuts. In a statement, Barca skipper Messi said, “Before going any further, we want to make it clear that we were always willing to reduce our salaries because we understand perfectly that we are in an exceptional situation. We, as players, are always here to help the the club when they ask. “It does not cease to surprise us th...