AS Kigali players decry salary arrears for last three months

AS Kigali’s season has descended into crisis following reports that players have gone three months without pay. This is further proof that the financial predicament engulfing local football clubs is on the rise with Covid-19 pandemic. On Thursday, the club’s financial plight was cast into further doubt when the players started to complain about their salaries and match bonuses they have not received since January. Amid fears that the management is not able to meet the financial demands, panic has reportedly set in among players who, according to reports, desperately need answers. It is reported that AS Kigali owe the players, coaching bench, team doctor and supporting staff salaries and other benefits of the months of February, March and April. However, even though salaries have not been lacking, Times Sport understands that the club extended a Rwf200,000 cheque as emergency support with every player to help them during lockdown since the Rwanda Premier League is suspended since March 15. Twelve teams, of the 16 comprising the topflight league, have been struggling to meet their financial obligations amid the coronavirus plague ravaging the world, with most opting to suspend salaries for players and staff, while Bugesera players took a 65 per cent pay-cut. Leaders APR, fourth-placed Police, Gasogi United and Marines are said to be the only clubs that continued to pay in full amount their players during the lockdown. As part of the lockdown measures to curb the spread of pandemic, the local topflight football league, and every other sports activity, was suspended mid-March and it is still unclear whether it will resume or it will be declared null and void, and look forward to the 2020/2021 season.

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AS Kigali players decry salary arrears for last three months