Liverpool FC is rethinking Shitstorm. Jürgen Klopp foregoes money

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Nowhere in football is so much money spent as in England. And yet players and clubs prefer to keep their money together during the Corona crisis.

The richest football league in the world is anything but generous in times of crisis – and is therefore increasingly criticized. Despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Premier League professionals have declined a 30 percent salary cut. However, the behavior of some clubs, such as that of the Champions League winner Liverpool FC, to send employees on compulsory vacation at government expense has also caused discord. After a downright shit storm, the club is now back rowing.

Premier League: professionals defend themselves against wage cuts

In contrast to players from the top leagues in Germany, Spain and Italy, the English professionals do not want to accept a drop in salary for the time being. The players union PFA justified the attitude with the fact that with this step the English government lost around £ 200m (227m euros) in tax money over a period of twelve months. “That would be at the expense of our national health service NHS or other government-supported services,” said the PFA.

The Premier League clubs had agreed on Friday to ask the players for a 30 percent waiver. If the season couldn’t be ended, the league might have to return £ 762m (£ 866m) to the TV rights holders. “The players are aware that the combined tax on their salaries makes a significant contribution to the financing of essential public services – which are currently particularly important,” said the PFA. Further details are necessary for such a step. The PFA also complained that the £ 20 million donation to the NHS was not enough.

Critic: “Football has to do its part”

The PFA stance caused criticism. Oliver Dowden, State Secretary for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, wrote on Twitter that people want to see “no struggles within our national sport” in times of crisis. “Football must do its part to help sport understand the pressures of its low-paying employees, communities and fans.”

Some clubs also have to put up with criticism. Liverpool announced on Saturday that it would send numerous employees on compulsory leave. The club around coach Jürgen Klopp uses a government program to save jobs, in which 80 percent of the wages are borne by the state. The rest of the club contributes so that the employees do not suffer any financial disadvantages. The league rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Norwich City, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth had previously followed a similar pattern.

Here you can read more: “It chokes me in the throat!” Dispute over the waiver of wages escalates in the Premier League

Liverpool FC recently announced a € 50 million profit

A Liverpool employee who remains anonymous has little understanding for this. “The club describes the employees as a family. I don’t feel like a family member. Why does a club that generates more than £ 100 million use a government program for its employees when other companies need it more? ”He told the BBC. It was only in February that the Premier League leader announced a £ 42m profit. Accordingly, sales increased by around 92 million euros to 627 million euros.

Liverpool FC: Jürgen Klopp wants to accept a wage cut

After all, Klopp now wants to go ahead like some other team managers and is basically willing to forego a salary, as the “Daily Mail” reports. In English football, conversations between the 20 clubs and their coaches have been going on for days.

The report recognizes the need for a 30 percent cut in salaries, as recommended by the league. Klopp and West Ham coach David Moyes are said to have already said in private that they would accept a cut in wages.

Liverpool FC backs off and waives state aid

And Klopp’s bosses have also rowed back after a storm of indignation and are still foregoing the government’s emergency program. LFC boss Peter Moore announced this in a letter to the fans published on the club’s homepage.

“We believe that we came to the wrong conclusion last week,” the letter said. “Our intention was and is to ensure that the entire workforce is protected as much as possible from dismissal and / or loss of earnings in this unprecedented time.” make sure we don’t claim the state aid program. ” Go then. (dpa / sid / ars)

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