In a ruling that sends shockwaves through the football world, the Court of Arbitration has decreed that Italian giants Juventus must shell out €9 million in unpaid wages to their former superstar Cristiano Ronaldo. The legal battle centered around deferred salaries during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back in March 2020 and April 2021, Juventus, like many other clubs, grappled with financial strains amid the pandemic. To weather the storm, players, including Ronaldo, agreed to defer four months’ worth of their salaries. However, individual agreements were made, with Ronaldo seeking €21.3 million in deferred wages, commonly referred to as “salary manoeuvres.”
According to reports from Goal and La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Court’s decision favored the Portuguese sensation, putting Juventus on the hook for the hefty sum. It’s revealed that Juventus hadn’t budgeted for such payments, raising concerns about the financial repercussions this ruling could have on the club, especially if other players follow suit.
This isn’t the first time Juventus has found itself embroiled in legal disputes over unpaid wages. In 2023, star striker Paulo Dybala also reached a settlement with the club, pocketing around $3.2 million in deferred pay.
Ronaldo’s stint at Juventus, which commenced in 2018, saw him become a pivotal figure, netting an impressive 101 goals in 134 appearances across all competitions. Now, as Juventus grapples with this legal defeat, Ronaldo continues his football journey with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, with upcoming fixtures against Al Feiha and Al Khaleej.
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