Angry Estrela da Amadora players boycott training

Squad protest against overdue wages at cash-strapped club

Estrela da Amadora are going through uncertain times as players boycotted training sessions last week because of overdue payment of salaries. The financial situation is dire at the Lisbon suburban club as the entire squad have not seen the colour of money since January.

The situation of the coaching staff is even worse, as they have not received a euro in wages for five months. The Estrela players have had enough of broken promises and have demanded what is entitled to them.

Club president, Antonio Oliveira, has met with the team’s captians, Mauricio, Carreira and Marco Paulo, along with coach Dauto Faquira in order to try and resolve the situation. He agrees that the situation is unfortunate, but insists the club will make good on the contracts and asked for a little more patience.

“The players have taken a position and are tired of hearing so many promises. They did not go on strike, but took a stance in relation to their situation. I have told them that we will be paying them, but that the dates have been constantly altered.

“They were tired of the changed dates and became disappointed, but they must accept these facts,” stated Oliveira.

Cash promised from Gomes transfer

The president claimed the whole situation would be sorted out by the end of the week as money is due to arrive at the club shortly due to the partial sale of Tiago Gomes to Spanish side Malaga.

“I have spoken to the team and assured them that during the week the whole issue would be resolved. I showed them documents that guaranteed that in the upcoming week the overdue wages will be paid.”

Team captain Mauricio is weary of another promise, but feels more assured after the presentation of the transfer documents by the club’s supremo. “We will wait and see if this situation sorts itself out in the upcoming week. We have heard the president’s promises, which were uncertain, but now we have been given guarantees.

“It would have been bad for us if we continued not to train. We hope that next week all this will come to an end.”