Santos say they have paid May image rights | OneFootball

Santos say they have secured funds to pay May image rights on Tuesday 21, leaving June and July outstanding. Image rights are due on the 20th after invoicing, unlike wages paid on the fifth working day.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the board met the squad at CT Rei Pelé on Sunday 19 to outline the situation and payment plans, amid player unease that executive Alexandre Mattos played down in an interview.

The payment comes hours before the team under Cuca face UCV of Venezuela at 21:30 at the Misael Delgado in Valencia, the first leg of the Sudamericana play-off. About two weeks ago the club denied months of unpaid salaries in a note, while admitting arrears on image rights.

The club fears losing players through labour-court terminations, as happened with striker Tiquinho Soares. It is also under a FIFA transfer ban and cannot register new signings, needing to pay Monaco about R$ 12 million or face three windows without additions.

Earlier this month Cuca said paying wages is the biggest reinforcement for the second half, speaking after a friendly at the Pacaembu on 4 July. He also referred to seeking remedies and solutions in the academy.

Finances remain strained, with debt above R$ 1.1 billion in the first quarter. Revenues have been brought forward and the hierarchy believe player sales could help, with hopes for bids for Gabriel Brazão and others, though none has arrived.

Source: Diario Do Peixe