AFL players are facing a 20 per cent pay cut due to the condensed 2020 season, according to multiple reports.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Monday the upcoming season has been reduced to 17 rounds meaning the league will generate less revenue.
According to the Herald Sun, AFL chiefs, including McLachlan, would be willing to take a pay cut as the league comes to grips with the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking on Fox Footy on Monday night, St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt says players “have a responsibility” to accept a pay reduction to ensure the season goes ahead.
“The players were made acutely aware of just how catastrophic this will be if the season doesn’t go ahead,” Riewoldt said.
“The players have got to be very careful here, and I was as bullish about player rights when I was a player as anyone.
“But we’re talking about an industry where if you went to clubland and you asked most people involved at clubs, would they be prepared to take a 20 per cent pay cut if it meant they’d keep their job, they’d be over the moon at that situation.
“We’re talking about mass job losses. So I think the players have a responsibility to share in what the game is going through.”
The AFL will announce today whether Round 1 will go ahead this week amid COVID-19 concerns.
Players have reportedly voted in favour for the season to begin as scheduled behind closed doors.
