Spanish footballers union calls strike over unpaid wages

Spain’s football players union on Monday called a strike for April 16-19 that would affect matches in La Liga’s top four tiers unless an agreement over unpaid wages is reached before then.

The Spanish Footballers Association (AFE) said it wants to continue talks with a view to reaching a “Grand Pact for Spanish Football” which would satisfy players’ demands but if this is not possible the strike would go ahead.

It also did not rule out further strikes or other forms of protest.

“The demands made by AFE have the backing of all footballers and and their sole purpose is to ensure the compliance of contracts and collective agreements which have already been signed,” it said.

“We wish to underscore that the demands underlying the strike are of extreme urgency and necessity,” it added.

If the strike goes ahead it would affect the matches between European and Spanish champions Barcelona and their cross-town rivals Espanyol and between league leaders Real Madrid and Valencia, amongst others.

Spanish clubs owe millions in unpaid wages this season, mostly to players from smaller teams in lower divisions, according to media reports.