Alan Pardew Gives Away Den Haag Survival Bonus To Aid Covid-19 Fight
Alan Pardew has rejected a relegation bonus from Eredivisie side ADO Den Haag and will instead donate the money to the club’s non-playing staff and the Dutch Health Service.
Pardew was appointed as Den Haag manager back in December with the club a place from bottom in the 18-team league and was promised the money if they avoided relegation.
Den Haag were still in 17th place, seven points from safety, when the Eredivisie was suspended last month because of the Coronavirus pandemic, and the Dutch FA’s latest decision to call off the 2019/2020 season entirely without relegation and promotion means Pardew’s men will retain their top flight status for another year.
Reports in England claimed that Pardew will receive £100,000 for keeping Den Haag up but the former West Ham and Newcastle United manager insists the amount has been blown out of proportion and will be giving it away anyway.
He said in a statement: "When I signed for ADO there was a bonus clause in my contract for avoiding relegation, however, the figure is not the one being reported by the press.
"These clauses are standard practice in the majority of managers' contracts around the world.
"It was my understanding that this clause would only be activated if we had finished the season and ADO had avoided relegation. However, on a technicality issue with regard to the way the Dutch season ended, I was informed ADO intended to pay the bonus.
"I immediately contacted the club and told them not to pay me the money and to either give it to the non-playing staff at the club or donate it to Holland's health service to help in their efforts to beat COVID-19.
"I hope that this clears up any misunderstandings caused by the press reports.
"The thoughts and prayers of myself and my family are with everyone around the world who has suffered or are suffering from this terrible virus."
