Pope's beloved team go on strike as unpaid players release furious statement saying ‘it's a mockery'

The Sun

16-05-2025

ARGENTINE side San Lorenzo — the late Pope Francis' favourite team — have gone on strike after unpaid players slammed their situation as a 'mockery.'
The Buenos Aires club is regarded as one of Argentina's top sides.
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Pope Francis, who died last month, was their most famous fan and regularly attended matches as a boy with his father.
A statue was even unveiled of him by San Lorenzo's pitch following his passing.
And in the meantime, fans continue to dream of another title win, with their last victory coming in 2013 — a year before their one and only Copa Libertadores triumph.
But now, players at the club have decided to go on strike after revealing they have yet to be paid since February.
Stars including former Spain international Iker Munian, who played 560 times for Athletic Bilbao before joining San Lorenzo last year, are now skipping training sessions in protest.
The decision comes 16 games into the Primera Division season, with San Lorenzo currently fourth in Group B behind Independiente, River Plate and Rosario Central.
Their next match is on Monday against Argentinos Juniors, who currently top Group A ahead of Boca Juniors.
And in a joint statement, San Lorenzo's players slammed the situation at the club.
It read: "We have gone several months without receiving our salaries, which not only impacts our families but also jeopardises our professional performance. It's a mockery.
"However, we believe it is time to raise our voices. Recent public events feel like an insult to our work group. This is not just about money; it's about respect, dignity, and basic working conditions every player deserves.
"We are not seeking conflict but a concrete and fair solution.'
New San Lorenzo president Julio Lopardo, who recently replaced Marcelo Moretta following an alleged bribery scandal, revealed he was doing everything possible to get the players paid.
He said: "The players' demands are understandable; the team has been enduring this situation for a long time—unfulfilled commitments and unfinalised agreements. This strike is their way to express their grievances.
'We have discussed the matter with the squad; they have made their case public, and everything is fine now. We are working toward an agreement to end the strike. The players will take the field and fight to win—they just wanted to be heard.'
Meanwhile, sporting director La Roca Sanchez added that an agreement over outstanding wages has already been struck.
He added: "The management is working to resolve everything as soon as possible and get everything back to normal. An agreement was reached to collect the outstanding balance and allow the players to focus on Monday's game. There is goodwill on both sides.'