By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
FC Barcelona decided to impose a reported 70% salary cut to the senior team starting from the 13th of March until the end of the season suspension. Despite the initial negative reaction of most players, Nikola Mirotic is accepting the measure.
After a denial on the subject by Pau Ribas and last night’s confirmation via the official press release of the club, the 70% cut is a reality. Αccording to “Mundo Deportivo” Mirotic was initially contrary to this percentage of a pay cut, and also about the way the club wanted to impose it. Ηe changed his mind according to the report after a meeting with club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Mirotic, however, denied on Twitter that there was a meeting with the president and any pressure from the club. According to him, it was a personal decision, considering the circumstances.
No es verdad !!! Yo en ningún momento he hablado con el presidente sobre esta teme y a mi nadie me ha presionado nada para que lo acepte. Ha sido mi propia decisión de apoyar el club en este momento
— Nikola Mirotic (@NikolaMirotic33) March 27, 2020
Mirotic is currently the highest-paid player in European basketball, getting $5,4 million net annually during the four years of his contract. Barcelona is using the temporary employment regulation file (ERTE), which is part of the labor law in Spain and practically is a unilateral decision that workers have to accept.