Reports | Ligue 1’s top earners set to take 50% pay-cut amidst COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the entire world to come to a complete standstill with football, amongst other sports, among the many affected. Football seasons across the world have been suspended indefinitely with only a handful still in play. However, that has caused a domino effect with the lack of matchday and broadcast income hurting clubs and pushing a few on the verge of bankruptcy.

However, while the PFA and the Premier League continue to meet over potential pay cuts in England, ESPN has reported that the Ligue 1 have reportedly come to an agreement. The report from the ESPN further added that after a meeting between France's National Union of Professional Football Players (UNFP) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, an agreement has been reached over pay cuts.

It will see a variety of cuts take place with different cuts for players at different wage levels with it going as high as 50% after partial unemployment. That would be for players who earn €100,000 or over which includes Ligue 1's top earner Neymar and teammate Kylian Mbappe at 50%. It would also see players who earn between €50,000-€100,000 at 40%, those on €20,000-€50,000 at 30%, and so on with those in the lowest bracket handed a 20% pay cut.

Those below the lowest bracket (€10,000-€20,000) will be unaffected, ESPN further reported, and UNFP president Philippe Piat went on to admit that they are looking at solutions earlier in the week. He also added that a large majority of the players and clubs will not refuse such a decision but they cannot force anyone to take a pay cut.

"The idea is that the players defer part of their April salaries to allow the clubs to get by. We cannot force anyone to join. A large majority will not go against it. We advise them all to accept it as it will save jobs. Without this, the profession will suffer," Piat said, reported ESPN.