JUVENTUS REVIEW COURT'S DECISION TO PAY CRISTIANO RONALDO €9.8 MILLION IN UNPAID WAGES

NEW DELHI: Juventus are currently assessing an arbitration court's verdict that mandates the club to pay their ex-forward Cristiano Ronaldo close to 9.8 million euros in unpaid wages.

This decision was disclosed by the Serie A team on Wednesday. Ronaldo, who is now part of the Saudi club Al-Nassr, had initially claimed Juventus owed him about 19.5 million euros ($20.81 million), which was due to a salary reduction agreed upon during the COVID-19 crisis.

The arbitration court confirmed that the agreement to reduce Ronaldo's compensation for the 2020/21 season was valid. However, the tribunal only upheld half of the sum Ronaldo sought, holding Juventus accountable for a breach of pre-contractual obligations due to unsuccessful negotiations. Consequently, Juventus have been instructed to compensate Ronaldo with approximately 9.8 million euros.

Juventus, in their statement, mentioned that the club, along with its legal advisors, is carefully examining the arbitration board's ruling. They intend to thoroughly evaluate and take necessary measures to protect the club's interests.

"They partially granted the request made by (Ronaldo)..., ascertaining Juventus' pre-contractual liability resulting from the failure of negotiations and ordered the defendant to pay an amount of approximately Euro 9.8 million," Juve said.

"The Company, also with the support of its legal counsel, is reviewing the decision made by the arbitration board, reserving all assessments and initiatives to preserve its rights."

After leaving Real Madrid, Ronaldo began his tenure with Juventus began in August 2018, during which he significantly contributed to the team's success, securing two Serie A championships, one Italian Cup, and two Super Cups. He departed from the Italian club to rejoin Manchester United in 2021.

(Inputs from Reuters)