Chile is the latest country to be hit by a players’ strike.

All contracted players and coaches of the country’s 32 professional clubs have downed boots in a long-running row over unpaid wages.

Carlos Soto, president of the Chilean players’ union, said: “This has dragged on for far too long. We do not want to upsetthe fans but we believe they will understand and support our complaint.

‘The government and the clubs have allowed this situation to go on too long and now they must face the consequences.”
By Keir Radnedge