Cardiff City are to implement pay cuts and put non-playing staff on the Government's furlough scheme as they face the stark reality of the coronavirus crisis.
Bluebirds manager Neil Harris and chief executive Ken Choo have taken the lead by volunteering to reduce their salaries by 20 per cent as the lockdown continues.
The Bluebirds take an estimated £400,000 from match-day revenue, but haven't had a home game since the 2-2 draw with Brentford at the end of February.
With no sign of when they will play their remaining Championship fixtures at Cardiff City Stadium, the Bluebirds hierarchy say they have been forced into action for non-playing staff.
Bluebirds chairman Mehmet Dalman and chief executive Ken Choo discussed the issue this week and came up with a plan of action.
Choo and Harris each accepted the 20 per cent pay cut, which will also be the case for other Bluebirds high earners who remain working to keep the club ticking over. Those who fall into this category but who are on lower incomes won't see their salary affected.
However, the majority of the non-playing staff will be placed on furlough for the time being.
The Bluebirds are also thought to be waiting for a directive on what happens with the salaries of the players. The PFA, the players' union, have reportedly told their members nationwide not to accept any wage cuts.
That, it seems, might prove to be an unsustainable situation. in the current crisis. Players in other high profile sports are accepting the need to take cuts to keep clubs and governing bodies sustainable and it seems likely football will eventually follow suit.
Confirming the changes for non-playing staff at Cardiff, club chairman Dalman said: "The first thing to say is that we are in the same position as everybody else.
"But unless we take some action today our position will not be financially viable. We would hit a wall soon.
"Ken and I discussed the best way forward. The staff we can put on furlough we will.
"For those who don't fit into furlough, we are implementing the 20 per cent cuts for the higher earners and those on lower salary won't be affected.
"Ken, as chief executive, and Neil, as manager, have led the way on this by voluntarily accepting it straight away."
Cardiff's other Board members don'take a wage from the club anyway.
