West Ham players agree to defer wage chunk
West Ham United's players have agreed to defer a percentage of their wages during the coronavirus pandemic.
Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and their fellow shareholders are also investing £30 million ($61 million) into the club.
The Premier League outfit announced the short-term cost-reducing measures to allow it to cope with paying non-playing staff in the absence of first-team matches.
West Ham last played in a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on 8 March (AEDT), with the season since suspended indefinitely.
The Hammers are 16th, clear of the relegation zone on goal difference alone.
Manager David Moyes and vice-chairman Karren Brady are among senior figures who have taken a 30 per cent pay reduction.
"The savings created by the measures... will support the entire infrastructure of the club and enable us to retain jobs and continue to pay 100 per cent of staff salaries," a club statement read.
Brady said: "I would like to say a big thank you to David Moyes and his backroom team, our captain Mark Noble and our fantastic squad of players for the commitment and determination they have shown to offer their help and support."
Captain Mark Noble said: "At West Ham United, we are one team and our priority reflects the club's aim to help ensure the staff get 100 per cent of their salaries while we are unable to play our matches.
"We continue to do all we can, collectively and individually, throughout this period for the benefit of those around us, our colleagues, our supporters and our community."
Other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, have been criticised for furloughing non-playing staff while first-team stars continue to earn huge wages.
Liverpool had also announced its intention to use the UK government's furlough scheme, paying 80 per cent of wages, before backtracking on that decision after widespread criticism.
Premier League stars, reportedly led by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, launched their #PlayersTogether charity fund this week, working with NHS Charities Together.