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Atletico announce wage cuts for players, club staff amid COVID-19 lockdown

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Atletico Madrid have been forced to reduce the wages of players and club staff in an effort to minimize the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic amid Spain's national lockdown, the La Liga club announced Friday.

"Unfortunately, and with the only objective of guaranteeing the survival of the club, we are forced to request a Temporary Employment Regulation File (ERTE) for those professionals who, due to the state of alarm declared in Spain, cannot carry out their work as they have completely ceased their activity, as well as for those whose working hours have been significantly reduced," read a statement from club CEO Miguel Angel Gil. "Both cases affect employees as well as players and coaches of our teams."

Atletico rivals Barcelona announced similar financial measures Thursday. Though the Catalan club didn't provide specific numbers, a report from The Guardian's Sid Lowe and Ben Fisher suggested Barca were considering slashing wages by as much as 70%.

Spanish football has been suspended indefinitely amid the health crisis. The country is the second-most heavily affected nation in Europe with over 64,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 4,934 deaths.

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