MX23RW : Wednesday, December 11 22:08:41| >> :60:656:656:

Coronavirus latest: Arsenal players, manager Mikel Arteta take 12.5% pay cut

Coronavirus latest: Arsenal players, manager Mikel Arteta take 12.5% pay cut
© Reuters
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder and chief executive officer Stephen Bettis have also agreed a deferral in wages.

Arsenal's first-team squad, manager Mikel Arteta and key coaching staff have agreed a 12.5 per cent pay cut to help the club deal with the fallout of the coronavirus crisis.

After fellow Premier League clubs Southampton and West Ham announced wage deferral agreements with their players, the Gunners have made a breakthrough with their squad.

Arsenal say they have reached a "voluntary agreement with our first-team players, head coach and core coaching staff to help support the club at this critical time" following "positive and constructive discussions".

A statement from the north London club read: "In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.

"Reductions of total annual earnings by 12.5 per cent will come into effect this month, with the contractual paperwork being completed in the coming days.

"If we meet specific targets in the seasons ahead, primarily linked to success on the pitch, the club will repay agreed amounts.

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta contracted Covid-19 last month
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta contracted Covid-19 last month (John Walton/PA)

"We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger.

"The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the season 2019/20 and receive the full broadcasting revenues.

"The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.

"We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history."

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has reached an agreement with the club
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has reached an agreement with the club (Anthony Devlin/PA)

Meanwhile, Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and chief executive officer Stephen Bettis have agreed a deferral in wages and relevant bonus payments to ease the financial burden at this uncertain time.

The pair have been joined by senior coaching staff, who have also agreed to the deferrals for the next six months to assist United "with retaining staff and continuing to pay 100 per cent of their salaries during this difficult period".

Blades boss Wilder said: "It is a difficult time for everyone and that includes football clubs and this particular measure is all about our football club.

"I've had similar experiences of cash flow problems at other clubs and I'm delighted that my staff have supported me in assisting our club in a small way."

Chief executive Bettis added: "There is a long uncertain road ahead, but we remain committed to doing everything we can to ensure the stability of this great football club.

"I'd like to thank Chris and the senior coaching staff for being united in joining me in these short-term remuneration deferrals."

ID:397056: cacheID:397056:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8142:
Written by
P A
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Alex Ferguson pictured on his final game in charge of Manchester United on May 19, 2013
Read Next:
How every PL season would have finished after gameweek 29: 1993-94
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!