Italian minister slams "spoiled" Italian players

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MILAN - Italy's footballers have been labelled spoiled by a right-wing minister as a row over who should pay a new tax added to an existing strike threat over players' rights.

The Italian Players' Union (AIC) reacted quickly, describing the comments as "nonsense" with no hint yet that a resolution will be found to avert the strike before the start of the Serie A campaign on the weekend of August 27-28.

Earlier this month, the AIC said the new season would not get under way until a new collective agreement had been signed, guaranteeing players' rights.

Cabinet Minister Roberto Calderoli said on Wednesday: "If this spoiled class continues with their threat to strike, I propose that, like politicians, they double their solidarity contributions.

"I don't know if the solidarity contributions are fair or not, but if anyone should pay them, it's the players."

AIC vice-president Leonardo Grosso responded: "It's nonsense to say the players are spoiled.

"It has to be remembered that while some players earn a lot, there are just as many who earn modest amounts and are not paid at frequent intervals."

"It's a tax which concerns all workers and the footballers are no exception," he told Sky Sport 24.

"We should contribute everything we can to save the country and so will the players who earn so much."

His sentiments were echoed by outspoken Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini. "The solidarity contribution? The players will pay it," he said.