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Brazilian Players Reject Pay Cuts, Restart Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian footballers are protesting lawmakers’ attempts to cut their pay, and some say they will play again only after they are reassured by health authorities.

The players’ actions on Monday came as some Brazilian clubs push to restart the season despite the still-spreading coronavirus, which has caused more than 7,000 known deaths. The peak of the crisis in Brazil’s public health care system is expected this month.

Soccer was halted in most of Brazil on March 15, with some minor leagues continuing for another week.

The bill that Brazilian lawmakers are trying to pass includes a proposed reduction of 50% in pay on termination of players’ contracts.