West Ham United's Declan Rice (L) and Southampton's Ryan Bertrand (R) during the Premier League match at London Stadium, February 29, 2020. /VCG
West Ham United have become the second Premier League club to defer part of their wages, while manager David Moyes will take a 30 per cent pay cut, to cope with the financial challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
The move comes just a day after top-flight rivals Southampton struck a similar deal with their players as games have been shut down for a month.
West Ham announced a raft of measures that the club hopes will help retain jobs and pay full salaries to non-playing staff.
"I am proud that our entire squad have made clear their strong desire to play our part in helping to support others through this situation," captain Mark Noble said in a club statement.
Manager David Moyes, Vice Chairman Karren Brady and Chief Financial Officer Andy Mollett will take a 30 percent pay cut.
West Ham United manager David Moyes reacts during the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium, London, March 7, 2020. /VCG
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold and fellow shareholders will also inject 30 million pounds (37 million U.S. dollars) cash into the east London club to deal with the challenges.
"There is still a long and difficult road ahead but we remain committed to doing everything we can to support those most in need, and together we will come through it stronger," Brady said in the statement.
The decision came amid a row about whether Premier League players – with an average salary of three million pounds – should be forced to give up some of their salary to help the nation.
The players union, however, questioned the league's call for a 30 percent player wage reduction, saying it would reduce tax revenue for Britain's National Health Service.
(With input from agencies)