Al Hilal’s players have launched an initiative to reduce their salaries by half during the suspension of football amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Saudi Arabian giants, the reigning Asian champions, announced the news early on Monday. The Saudi Pro League was suspended last month, 22 rounds into the season, with Hilal leading the standings by six points from champions Al Nassr.
The Riyadh club, 15-time domestic champions, confirmed their first-team players had decided to forgo 50 per cent of their monthly wages until competition returns.
“The initiative came in an effort by the players and the coaching and administration staffs to enable the club to avoid any expected economic impacts resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic,” read a statement on the club’s social media accounts.
“The club board of directors have praised the initiative of Al Hilal first-team members, which reflects their sense of responsibility and their solidarity with their club in all circumstances.”
One of the most popular clubs on the continent, Hilal won the Asian Champions League last November to end a 19-year wait for the title.
Earlier this month, star striker Bafetimbi Gomis, top scorer in last season's tournament, called on Saudis to follow the government's advice and stay at home.
On Sunday, the confirmed number of coronavirus cases in the Kingdom passed 4,400. The death toll from the pandemic rose by seven to 59.
