Real Sociedad follow Real Madrid and Barcelona by imposing pay cuts on playing staff

With Spanish football in lockdown since mid-March, clubs are feeling the impact of the loss of broadcast and matchday revenues

Barcelona's Lionel Messi shoots at goal against Real Sociedad. Reuters

Lionel Messi takes the 81st minute spot-kick against Sociedad. AFP

Lionel Messi buries his penalty. Reuters

Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring against Real Sociedad. Getty Images

Messi looks to the heavens after scoring. Getty Images

Real Sociedad's goalkeeper Alex Remiro, left, makes a save against Barcelona's Lionel Messi. AP Photo

Spanish referee Juan Martinez shows a yellow card to Lionel Messi against Real Sociedad at the Camp Nou. AFP

Lionel Messi reacts after missing an opportunity against Real Sociedad. AFP

Barcelona's Jordi Alba, right, celebrates with Barcelona's Lionel Messi. AP Photo

Lionel Messi in action against Real Sociedad's Ander Guevara. EPA

Real Sociedad have become the latest La Liga club to announce that they have introduced pay cuts to playing staff to offset the financial damage caused by the coronavirus-enforced shutdown.

With Spanish football in lockdown since mid-March and a return not likely until at least June, clubs are feeling the impact of the loss of broadcast and matchday revenues.

It has left non-playing and lower-paid employees at clubs particularly vulnerable, and Sociedad have taken the measure to impose pay reductions on the squad to protect those members of staff.

"An agreement has been reached with the first team for the reduction of their wages by 20% in case the league does not resume this season, and by 5% in case the season can start again," Sociedad said in a statement.

"This decision, taken with all of the parties concerned, helps us avoid traumatic measures for the rest of our employees and helps to balance the club's economic objectives in the face of a drop in income suffered after the suspension of competition."

Sociedad also announced a 20 per cent refund on season tickets for its supporters.

At the time of the La Liga suspension last month, Sociedad were in fourth place in the championship. They had also qualified for the Copa del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao in Seville on a date still to be decided.

Sociedad's announcement comes after similar pay cuts were introduced at other Spanish clubs. Real Madrid confirmed wage cuts, estimated by Spanish media to be 10 per cent if the season resumes and 20 per cent if the league is abandoned, while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have cut salaries by 70 per cent. Espanyol have also introduced wage reductions.

Barcelona's handling of the process drew public criticism from Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez who accused the club of putting the players under unnecessary pressure.