Hearts players have been given the choice to accept a 50% wage cut or have their wages suspended as Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) green lights the use of Clause 12.
As a result of the suspension of the rest of Scottish football season, the SPFL announced on Friday that it would be allowing clubs to use Claus 12 which gives them the authority to halt player contracts should the Scottish Football Association (SFA) suspend the football.
As a result of this, Hearts owner Anne Budge has given her players the option of either accepting a 50% wage cut or having their wages suspended as of March 31.
The SPFL season was suspended on March 13 by the Scottish Football Association as a result of the increasing number of COVID-19 cases spreading across the UK.
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As part of the Uk’s measures to implement social distancing and isolation, public gatherings, as well as major sporting events, have all been suspended.
With the club already missing out on over £1million in income due to to the suspension, owner Ann Budge made it clear that the club would not survive the next 6 months unless sacrifices were made.
She went on to defend her decision saying:Â “The reason we are implementing cost control measures is because we could be facing up to six months of totally abnormal operations.”
Whilst some players mull over the option laid before them, club manager Daniel Stendel has already offered his services for free whilst Steven Naismith agreed to the 50% wage decrease.
The Hearts owner made no apology in her decision going on to state:
“Given that we all know we have to plan for that eventuality, I see absolutely no reason for sitting back and waiting either on a miracle or for the Government to bail out every company in the country… in a timely enough manner.”
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“Neither of these options is likely to happen and, therefore, I make no apology for putting immediate plans in place to mitigate the problems heading our way.”
“Nor do I make any apology for being open and transparent with staff, players and supporters about the potential scale of the issue.”
“Faced with this unprecedented set of circumstances, it is incumbent upon all employers to be totally upfront and open with their staff. They, too, have to be able to plan.”
