In this April 20, 2020 photo, Shanghai Shenhua players are in action during a training session at their Kangqiao base in Shanghai. (GAO ERQIANG / CHINA DAILY)

SHANGHAI - Shanghai Shenhua will not impose pay cuts on its players during the COVID-19 pandemic, instead, leaving up to the players' initiative, said the Chinese Super League club general director Zhou Jun.

The 2020 season of the CSL was slated to begin on Feb 22, but was forced to be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak

The Chinese Football Association (CFA) unveiled a proposal on May 8, advising its affiliated professional clubs to introduce pay cuts to ease the financial strains brought about by the outbreak of COVID-19.

Zhou indicated that the players should be aware of the difficulties their club is facing and should come to its aid.

"We will not impose the pay cuts. If a player refuses to cooperate when I talk with him about the salary reduction, I will not try any more persuasion," he was quoted as saying by some media on Wednesday.

ALSO READ: Coach: Shenhua preparing for possible CSL kickoff in June

"Those players with the character I appreciate don't need me to discuss it with them, they will come to me asking what they can do for the club in difficulties," he said.

"People should help each other, and the players who are grateful should have that sense," Zhou said.

The 2020 season of the CSL was slated to begin on Feb 22, but was forced to be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak. The CFA has yet to announce when the new season will kick off.