Barcelona players set for 122 million euros salary cut

Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Pedri (3R) celebrates teammates after scoring during the UEFA Champions League football match between FC Barcelona and Ferencvarosi TC at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona on October 20, 2020. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP)

Barcelona was close to securing an agreement on Friday for a 122 million euros ($145 million) cut in players’ salaries this season to help offset the financial hole left by the coronavirus pandemic.

The deal, announced in a statement by the club, must now be ratified by the players “in the coming days”.

The reduction in their wage bill represents a welcome financial lifeline for Barca, hit hard by the loss of gate receipts at the Camp Nou and other effects of COVID-19 prevention measures.

Barca’s acting president Carles Tusquets has described the financial situation as “not dramatic, but very worrying”.

Tusquets assumed temporary control following Josep Maria Bartomeu’s resignation last month.

Restoring Barca’s finances will be one of the items on the top of the new president’s in-tray with the election for Bartomeu’s successor to be held on January 24.

A new candidate entered the race for the job on Friday in Joan Laporta, who occupied the position between 2003 and 2010 and led the club to 12 major titles.