Manchester United are expected to be among the last clubs to ask players to take a pay cut in the wake of coronavirus.
Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus have all taken cost-cutting measures as a result of Covid-19 bringing football to a standstill.
Championship side Leeds United are the highest profile club in England to slash wages – but United are in a better position than many of their rivals to resist such a move due to their ongoing commercial strength.
While the club have been frequently criticised for their various tie-ups around the world it’s believed their multiple revenue streams will help to shield them from the effects of the pandemic.
The Premier League has been suspended until April 30 as the UK tries to slow the spread of the outbreak.
United have been among the most proactive clubs when it comes to trying to ease the financial pressures of staff and supporters.
They were quick to reimburse fans in the region of £245,000 when their Europa League tie with LASK was ordered be played behind closed doors at a late stage.
Casual staff were then assured a combined pay out of around £1million if this season’s remaining home fixtures were cancelled or played in front of empty stadiums.
And supporters have also been offered pro rata refunds or rebates if those measures are forced to be implemented.
The need of Barca, Atletico and Juve to reduce salaries is a measure of the impact coronavirus is having on even the biggest clubs.
Barca were recently ranked the world’s richest club in Deloitte’s Football Money League. But last week they announced the need to "minimise the economic impact" of the outbreak.
Juve’s players, meanwhile, have agreed to waive four months’ wages.
It remains to be seen how long it will take for more clubs in this country to follow suit, but in a joint statement last week football authorities alluded to the issues facing the national game.
“The Premier League, EFL and PFA agreed that difficult decisions will have to be taken in order to mitigate the economic impact of the current suspension of professional football in England and agreed to work together to arrive at shared solutions,” it read.
“The leagues will not recommence until 30 April at the earliest. They will only do so when it is safe and conditions allow.
“Further meetings will take place next week with a view to formulating a joint plan to deal with the difficult circumstances facing the leagues, their clubs, players, staff and fans.”
