FORMER Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez insists footballers can go without pay for six months as pressure increases on Premier League stars to take a pay cut amid the coronavirus crisis.
The Health Secretary Matt Hancock called on Premier League players to take a voluntary pay cut in order to fund the non-playing staff at their clubs instead of using the government scheme to recoup wages.
Former Manchester United star Carlos Tevez insists footballers can live without pay for at least six months.Credit: Getty – Contributor
The scheme allows companies to claim 80 per cent of employees wages up to £2,500 per month and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has already applied this, leaving fans furious at the decision.
Levy, who was the Prem’s best-paid exec last season with £7million, confirmed in a club statement: “The club’s operations have effectively ceased, some of our fans will have lost their jobs and most will be worried about their future.”
Tevez believes top flight footballers are more than capable of living without pay for at least six months.
The Argentinian told America TV: “A footballer can live six months or a year without receiving [wages].
“We are not in the same despair as those who live with kids every day, who have to leave their house at six in the morning and return at seven in the evening to feed the family.
“We are not an example in this case; yes in other things. We have to be there and help.
“It is easy for me to speak from home, knowing that I have food for my children.
“But desperate people, who cannot move and cannot leave the house.
“That is worrying.”
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The outbreak of the disease has caused severe disruption to the sporting calendar, with leagues all around the world planning on potential solutions to finish the season.
There have been calls to void the season and start again next season, an outcome which would infuriate teams at the top of their respective leagues.
One unnamed Premier League club even suggested for the season to be finished in China.
Tevez added: “The clubs have to get involved.
“Instead of going to train in the morning, they [should] demand that you do things for the people.
“Hopefully the world will be more supportive.
“We are realising that we are all the same.
“Hopefully we grow as a society and tomorrow this has changed the world for good.
Tevez’s former United teammate Gary Neville last night slammed Hancock for suggesting Premier Leagure players should take a pay cut.
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Neville wrote on Twitter: “I wish I was a player for 10 more mins.
“The PL players are more than likely working on a proposal to help clubs, communities and The NHS. It takes longer than 2 weeks to put together.
“Matt Hancock calling them out when he can’t get tests in place for NHS staff is a f@@@@@g cheek!”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock calls on Premier League footballers to take a pay cut during coronavirus battle
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
