Brazilian footballers are calling on health authorities to give them better assurances before they agree to start playing again amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A group of 16 first-division players released a joint video late Monday saying that players' health must come first when a decision is made on whether the Brazilian league should resume play.
The Brazilian people love soccer and want it back, we also love it and we want to return. We are all for work, but we need to think about the health of all of us, the players said.
The group of players included Felipe Melo of Palmeiras, Diego of Flamengo, and Leandro Castn of Vasco da Gama.
They also objected to a proposed bill by lawmakers that would make it easier for Brazilian clubs to terminate the contract of players at a time when money from ticket sales and sponsorships are drying up. The bill would cut players' compensation in half if their contracts are terminated.
Most of us only work three months a year, 95% are paid less than two minimum wages, the players said in the video.
Changing laws without listening to us? That is not cool. We are here and we need to be heard."