Salary cuts required for new DEL license
To get the license for the coming season, the Clubs of the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) reduce their player salaries by 25 percent. In view of the economic threat posed by the corona crisis, clubs agreed on a corresponding regulation. “Existing contracts are to be changed so that 25 percent of the salary is converted from a guaranteed payment to a variable. For new contracts, this should be recorded directly, ”said DEL Managing Director Gernot Tripcke of the German Press Agency on Friday.
The voluntary consent of several players is therefore a prerequisite for the license of the clubs. Even if they could demonstrate a balanced budget without lowering their wages, the license would be refused without the players’ consent.
“Without this measure, few will be able to balance the plan,” said Tripcke. Many clubs are in need due to the uncertainty of what the next season could look like and have problems with fixing sponsorship contracts. “This applies to almost all clubs,” said Tripcke, who plans for the license check on May 24, initially with a “normal season” from September 18. “We are not yet counting on alternative concepts,” said Tripcke. “But of course we don’t want to do a license check and just wave everyone through. Right now we have to be even more careful. “
The league is aware that the voluntary nature of the players is delicate. “But if the players say ‘no’, they will harm their clubs,” said Tripcke. “It’s clear: It’s already getting down to business. We want to get all 14 clubs economically healthy in the new season. “
The waiver of salary must not lead to an increase in the shareholders’ revenue. Any profits would have to be reinvested into the team. Players should receive the variable salary as soon as clubs “reach between 75 and 100 percent of the previous year’s sales”. (dpa)
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