In a landmark agreement, Serie A players have consented to an automatic 25% reduction in their salaries if their team is demoted to Serie B. This measure is part of a new collective bargaining deal negotiated by the Players` Association.
The primary goal of this agreement is to assist clubs in managing the financial challenges that come with relegation from the top flight to the second division. This transition can often have severe economic consequences for football clubs.
Ezio Simonelli, President of Lega Serie A, hailed the agreement as a historic step towards “a more robust, equitable, and sustainable football system.”
Players Show Solidarity with Clubs
The new contract stipulates that players will automatically have their wages reduced by a quarter if their team drops from Serie A to Serie B. This move demonstrates a significant show of solidarity between players and clubs.
In addition to this measure, other financial mechanisms are in place to help clubs bridge the revenue gap between the top and second tiers. These include parachute payments from current Serie A teams to those facing relegation.
A substantial portion of Serie A revenue comes from television broadcasting rights. The parachute payments can range from €10 million to €25 million, with the amount depending on how long the relegated team had been in the top division.
This agreement represents a collective effort to create a more financially stable Italian football landscape, with players taking an active role in supporting the long-term sustainability of the sport.