Paying full salaries of the Euroleague players is ridiculous and a defiance of common sense
The biggest clubs in Europe have different aproaches regarding the Coronavirus crisis. Some of them like Maccabi Tel Aviv or Zalgiris Kaunas have released quickly the Americans to cut their expenses at minimum and I think this was a very smart move for them.
This way Zalgiris, Maccabi Tel Aviv and other European clubs are saving money for the future acquisitions, maybe for the next season. Keeping players in these circumstances means wasting money.
Then, we have the big clubs that still have hope to continue to play the Euroleague later on and to be in the Final 4 and possibly to win the trophy.
These clubs made an important investment for the season and of course they need results for the sponsors and fans.
Between these clubs is also FC Barcelona that made one of the best decision: to cut the salaries at 30%. Last days their captain, Ante Tomic came out with an interview, accepting the situation and supporting the decisions made by the club. He had the right words: the Euroleague players are privileged in this crisis compared to millions of people who lost their jobs and have nothing to eat, maybe.
This is the best approach in these circumstances. On the other side, we have 3 clubs, Real Madrid, Anadolu Efes and Valencia Basket who stated they will cover full salaries for their players. It could be a nice marketing hit but in fact is a stupid waste of money and a defiance of common sense. To be paid millions of euros to stay home eating and watching TV for months with your family is absurd. The governments all over Europe will start sooner or later to support poor people with basic food because of the economic effects of the Coronavirus. And at the same time, some basketball players will earn a fortune doing nothing? Is this right?
There are new circumstances and there have to be negociated true solutions. FC Barcelona made the best choice and it’s an example for the entire Europe. No club have to waste the money of the sponsors to pay the full salaries. It’s simply absurd.
Photo: Euroleague
Gratian Cormos
