Spain: FIFPro supports the Santander players (3^rd division) after their strike in the Copa del Rey

"The players took a radical decision. But it shows how desperate they are. They had no choice but to opt for this action. They are footballers, and what they like most is to play football," said the president of FIFPro (International Federation of Professional Footballers), Philippe Piat, on 31/01/2014.

The Santander players (Spanish third division) refused to play their quarter-final match of the Copa del Rey against Real Sociedad on 30/01/2014 in protest against the non-payment of wages. They formed a group in the centre of the pitch until the referee called off the match, to the applause of their supporters. "The wage arrears has accumulated for months, despite renewed promises from the president," said the players in a statement read by their captain Mario Fernandez.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation has decided, on 31/01/2014, not to punish the players for not playing the match, but has taken actions against the club. Racing Santander will be excluded from the 2014-15 edition of the Copa del Rey. The club was also fined €3,006. President Ángel Lavin was dismissed by the…