No Pay, No Play, Warn Santander Players

Racing Santander players have threatened not to play in the club's Copa del Rey quarterfinal, second leg against Real Sociedad on Thursday if president Angel Lavin and the rest of the board don't resign.

The stricken Cantabrian club, which has spent the majority of its 101-year history in the top flight, is currently playing in the third-tier of Spanish football having suffered two consecutive relegations and falling into administration.

Despite an amazing cup run that has included victories of La Liga sides Sevilla and Almeria, the players haven't been paid since September.

Racing trail Sociedad 3-1 after the first leg in San Sebastian last week with the victors in the tie almost certainly facing a money spinning two-legged clash against Barcelona in the semi-finals as the Catalans hold a 4-1 first leg advantage over Levante.

However, after a series of broken promises from Lavin as to when they will receive their money, the squad has warned they may not take to the field on Thursday if he is still in charge of the club.

"We hope that this decision, adopted in critical circumstances for us and for our club, will be understood and backed by the Racing fans who have all our respect and gratitude," said club captain Mario Fernandez in a statement.

It is not the first time that the players have used their Cup success to protest over their plight as they began the first leg of their tie against Almeria earlier this month by standing motionless for the first 20 seconds of the match.

The club's supporters also showed their frustration at the board in the same game by storming the directors' box to demand Lavin's resignation.