Chinese badminton star Lin Dan threatens club with lawsuit over 4 million yuan unpaid wages
One of the country’s most popular athletes posts statement to his three million social media followers blasting team
Chinese badminton star Lin Dan, one of the country’s most popular athletes, leveraged the power of his massive social media following to demand unpaid wages of 4 million yuan (HK$4.5 million) from his China Badminton Super League club.
Lin said Guangzhou Yueyu had not paid him and six others on the team for their participation in the lucrative national tournament and took to Weibo to lambast the team in front of his three million followers.
“It is chilling that so far all the athletes have not received salaries,” read the statement.
“We athletes in order not to affect the collective honour, still insisted on completing matches despite not being paid.
“We have communicated many times with the club to pay the salaries and so far their attitude is really frustrating and disappointing. For the club to win honour while we get nothing, please do not let our sweat flow white!
“We solemnly declare that the Guangzhou Yueyu Badminton Club’s Mr Gao jun and Mr Fu Xun respect the athletes and pay the full salaries ... or we will take legal means to defend our rights and interests!”