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FBL-GER-EPIDEMIC-HEALTH-VIRUS-UNIONBERLIN-SALARY
Union Berlin players give up wages in virus fight
PARIS, March 26, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Union Berlin players on Wednesday said
they will forego their wages in an effort to help the Bundesliga club ride
out the coronavirus storm.
Six days after fellow top-flight side Borussia Moenchenglandbach waived
their salaries, Union followed suit.
Club management and other employees have agreed to short-time working
arrangements, which will also result in salary cuts, said a statement.
“These are exceptional circumstances we have to deal with,” said club
president Dirk Zingler.
“Our club’s purpose is football. If it ceases to exist, then it will touch
the core of our existence.
“The management, our staff, the squad and backroom staff have worked hard
in recent months to ensure success in the Bundesliga.
“Now they are giving up a lot of money to get through this crisis
together.”
Like all German sides, Union and Gladbach are set to lose income from
broadcasting, sponsorships and ticket sales during the COVID-19 outbreak with
all Bundesliga matches suspended until at least April 2.
On Tuesday, Bayern Munich and Dortmund players sais they would accept a cut
in wages.
So far, the coronavirus has claimed 149 lives in Germany.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1001 hrs