UAE’s players, coaches to take wage cuts
The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has authorised all the 14 clubs in the Arabian Gulf League, the UAE top flight, to cut wages of players and coaches, during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The FA, which held a virtual meeting on Sunday, to decide on the fate of football competitions in the country, also decided to give the green signal for clubs to temporarily deduct a maximum of 40 percent of the monthly salaries of their players and coaches, provided they shall not be less than Dh 15,000 after deduction.
The decision was announced by Mohamed Abdullah Hazzam Al Dhaheri, Secretary-General of the FA, following the meeting held by the board under the chairmanship of Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
The decision percolates to the UAE First Division as well, with the 11 clubs now permitted to deduct a maximum of 40 percent, provided the monthly salary of their players and coaches shall not be less than Dh 10,000 after deduction.
With regard to foreign players and coaches, Fifa’s regulations and rules are applied, as the internal decisions issued by the FA are not binding before the Fifa Judicial and Arbitration Committees.
The FA also took a decision on extending player contracts and moving the transfer windows to allow the season, which has been suspended due to pandemic, to reach its conclusion.
It means that players’ contracts which were to come to an end in June, will be extended, in conformity with Fifa’s new guidelines.
The summer transfer window too has been tweaked with it being delayed until the new season begins. “Health comes first and foremost and the safety of the players and community members is paramount,” said Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
“Our first decision was to extend the suspension of football activities in the country until further notice. The domestic competitions will remain suspended due to the current conditions.
“We will continue to coordinate with the competent authorities in the country and will also be in constant communication with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Fifa on the latest developments,” he added.
Sheikh Rashid also said that the FA will continue to monitor the situation based on which the next decision will be taken.
The FA had earlier on Sunday decided to extend the suspension of all football competitions and related activities in the country.