© Reuters 2002

LIMA, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Peruvian soccer players say they will go on strike on Monday if club directors cannot agree on a schedule for the payment of outstanding wages and bonuses.

"If they don't approve it on Monday, there will be a strike," said Francesco Manassero, president of the Peruvian Players' Association (SAPAF).

Peruvian soccer is in dire financial straits and Manassero said that players at some clubs had not been paid for six months. He also accused clubs of unilaterally ending players' contracts.

"They (the clubs) give the players a three-year contract but kick them out after one month and never pay up," he said. "When they manage to pay on time, it is portrayed as merit on the part of the directors." The players had threatened to start their strike on Thursday but backed down after the clubs promised to announce a payment schedule on Monday.

The decision means the 2002 championship, in which Alianza Lima are defending the title they won last year, will get under way at the weekend.

Late last year, the showers at Universitario - one of Lima's big three teams - ran dry after the club had its water supply cut off for non-payment of bills.

Players refused to train until the water supply was restored.