Goa players take salary cut, Mumbai City refuse | Goa News

Panaji: FC Goa players led by captain Sandesh Jhingan have collectively agreed on a salary cut for this season while several other clubs are still locked in negotiations with their own players.The absence of a commercial partner for the Indian Super League (ISL) and a delayed start means clubs will have to do without a central revenue share, and sponsorships, leaving them with bigger losses for the season. The top tier league too will be truncated with just 13 matches in a single-leg format, instead of the minimum 26 from last season, besides the six-team playoffs.“This was not an easy decision (for the players), it was a selfless one,” Goa CEO Ravi Puskur told TOI. “We have been transparent in our approach all along and the players understood the situation. We didn’t sugarcoat anything, so when the request was made, it didn’t come out of the blue. They took their time and eventually put their best foot forward.”FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez and the other coaching staff has also agreed to reduce their remuneration till the end of season.However, Mumbai players, led by captain Lallianzuala Chhangte have formally told the club they cannot take salary cuts. “Players have signed professional contracts and they need to be honoured. We have several financial commitments. All reasons have been detailed in the letter,” said one of the players.Meanwhile, FIFPRO Asia/Oceania, the player representative body, has asked ISL clubs to respect players’ contractual entitlements particularly at a time when several players were left without pay for a considerable amount of time.“The league’s restart must not come at the expense of players’ fundamental rights,” FIFPRO said in a statement on Friday. “We respect any agreement voluntarily entered into between players and clubs and encourage good faith negotiations. Any attempt to coerce players into amending their terms represents abusive practice under the FIFA and AIFF regulations.”Among the other clubs, NorthEast United too have arrived at an understanding with their players, coaching staff and administration about the need for salary cuts. Last month, club owner John Abraham reiterated the need for the team to “stand united.”Several other clubs are negotiating salary reductions with their players. It includes Bengaluru FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Chennaiyin FC and Mumbai City FC.“We are speaking with our players and staff, and we are in the process of streamlining the spends for this season,” said Blasters CEO Abhik Chatterjee.According to sources, Chennaiyin are close to an agreement, while the Bengaluru management will know next week if the players are on board with the club decision. Club owner Parth Jindal has publicly said that “without the players helping out, many clubs will be forced to shut shop for good.”