Unpaid wages are a growing concern among professional soccer players. The reasons vary, whether it is due to corrupt executives or overspending in the pursuit of trophies, but the problem reflects larger economic turmoil.
Eastern Europe, where the global financial crisis has hit hardest, is among the regions most notorious for not paying players. In a 2011 survey of about 3,200 players there, 41.4 percent complained of missing pay, according to FIFPro, an organization that represents pro players.
Racing Santander has had one of the most severe situations. The club has spent 77 of the past 83 seasons in Spains top two divisions, but was in debt when purchased in 2011 by Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed. The collapse was exacerbated, players said, by the work of a previous president, Angel Lavin.
“Last season, there was debt, but at the end of the day, everything was O.K.,” said Mario Fernández, the team’s goalkeeper. “This season started off badly. The salary for July came in August. After that came the lies from the president.”