Real Madrid cut players' pay by up to 20 per cent

Galacticos accept salary reduction to avoid partial unemployment scheme

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane leads his team's training session at the club's sport complex in Valdebebas shortly before the coronavirus shut down Spanish football. EPA

Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard takes part in a training session. EPA

Eden Hazard and Raphael Varane share a joke during a Real Madrid training session. EPA

Eden Hazard and James Rodriguez jog during Real Madrid's training session. EPA

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos takes part in a training session. EPA

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema takes part in a training session. EPA

Real Madrid players take part in a training session. EPA

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane leads his team's training session. EPA

Real Madrid players have agreed to cut their salaries by as much as 20 per cent as Spanish football remains on hold due to the coronavirus.

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 per cent, "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 per cent less if the season is completed and 20 per cent less if the current campaign is terminated.

The cuts will shave between 28 million and 56 million euros (Dh111m and Dh240m) off Real's salary bill.

It also means the club has avoided using the partial unemployment (ERTE) scheme that cut Barcelona and Atletico Madrid players' salaries by 70 per cent.

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.