Cristiano Ronaldo wins €9.8 million unpaid wages claim against Juventus

In a significant development, an arbitration board has ordered Juventus to pay €9.8 million (approximately $10.5 million) in unpaid wages to their former star player, Cristiano Ronaldo. The ruling is the result of a wage deferral agreement between the Portuguese superstar and the Italian club during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, had initially sought €19.6 million from Juventus, asserting that he was owed this sum in deferred wages. However, the arbitration board's decision awarded him half of his requested amount, settling on €9.8 million.

The wage deferral agreement was part of a collective effort by Juventus players and the club to alleviate financial pressures amidst the pandemic. Ronaldo, who donned the black and white stripes from 2018 to 2021, was among the players who consented to the deferral.

Following the arbitration board's ruling, Juventus released a statement indicating that they are examining the decision with their legal advisers. The club emphasised that they are "reserving all assessments and initiatives" to safeguard their rights in this matter.

This salary dispute adds to the recent challenges faced by Juventus. In 2023, the club's entire board stepped down due to a false accounting investigation, resulting in a 10-point deduction in Serie A and exclusion from UEFA competitions for the 2023-24 season.

During his three-year stint at Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo left an indelible mark, scoring an impressive 101 goals in 134 appearances. His contributions were instrumental in the club's two Serie A triumphs before he made his return to Manchester United in 2021.

Presently, the Portuguese icon is plying his trade for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to make waves both on and off the field. As Juventus navigates the financial repercussions of the arbitration board's decision, football enthusiasts worldwide are keen to see how this development will shape the club's future.

The case of Cristiano Ronaldo's unpaid wages sheds light on the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the football industry. Many clubs, including Juventus, had to resort to wage deferrals and other cost-cutting measures to weather the financial storm brought about by the global health crisis.

The arbitration board's ruling in favour of Cristiano Ronaldo, awarding him €9.8 million in unpaid wages, marks a significant chapter in the ongoing story of Juventus' recent challenges.

As the club navigates this latest hurdle, fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how the Italian giants bounce back and rebuild for the future.