Barcelona’s club president has denied that there was any disagreement regarding financial cuts to players’ salaries, in light of the multiple postponements of football tournaments due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Josep Maria Bartomeu, Barcelona’s president, stated that Lionel Messi agreed to pay cuts to help the Catalan club balance its books and ensure all employees remain paid.

The announcement on Monday, 30 March, was made shortly after reports of disgruntled murmurs between senior Barca players and club management over the proposed 70% reductions emerged. One claim was about Messi denying that he was not in favour of the proposal.

In an interview with a Spanish sports publication, Bartomeu said: “This proposal came from the captains. It is a gesture that demonstrates their commitment to the club.”

Messi, as well as fellow footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, have each donated $1.1 million to various hospitals and institutions to assist in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus contagion.