The efforts by Barcelona to reach an agreement with players over a salary reduction have been futile after a lengthy negotiation which ultimately ended without a compromise.
The Spanish giants are looking to cut down on their wage bill amid a “serious financial problem” due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to Barcelona, Covid-19 has caused a reduction in revenues of more than €300 million for the 2020-21 season, with the club requiring a salary adjustment of €191m.
However, discussions between Barca and representatives of the players – as well as a group of corporate workers – ended on Wednesday without an agreement.
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“Regarding the status of salary negotiations between the club, the representatives of professional footballers and the corporate worker group, FC Barcelona issues the following report,” a statement released by the club said.
“Today, November 11, after several days of intense meetings and exhausting all avenues, the parties involved have concluded talks without reaching a firm agreement.
“We find ourselves in a situation where it is up to the management board to make decisions that will help ease the financial problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In monetary terms, the club is facing a loss of income amounting to €300m for the 2020-21 season alone. As such, a salary adjustment of €191m must be made.
“The negotiating process has revealed the sincere desire of all parties to come to an understanding, including the process of reimbursing wages that must be postponed in the short-term. We have overcome things that previously seemed insurmountable.
“All parties have agreed to give each other until November 23 to reflect and decide whether the proposals that remain on the table are acceptable.”
According to reports circulating, Barca also want to reduce the wages of their top earners, including Lionel Messi, by 30 per cent.
Barca are believed to have one of the highest wage bills in Europe, with the likes of Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Arturo Vidal having left the club in the close season.
Ronald Koeman’s side are eighth in La Liga, nine points adrift of leaders Real Sociedad but have played two fewer games.
Once the international break is finished, Barca will travel to Atletico for a crunch La Liga clash on November 21.
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