Roberto Carlos denied wage increase

Roberto Carlos has been denied a salary increase, after some fans called to bring him in line with top earners Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo.

Florentino Perez revealed the decision was unanimously agreed to after a meeting by the club's board of directors. Fans who feared the Brazilian ace would become unsettled if he was not granted a wage increase had earlier appealed to the club to consider offering the defender a raise.

Perez said: "Roberto Carlos is recognized for being the exceptional player that he is. I don't think that this situation is any different to the other 28 petitions we have received during the past season and that we resolved without any fuss."

"The board has set a pay structure that must be followed by all players at this club. The matter regarding Roberto Carlos is being dealt with by Jorge Valdano within the boundaries set by the club's directors."

Carlos himself has refused to be drawn into any ugly conflicts with his employers, preferring to keep a low profile until all the commotion of the past few days has blown over.

But the situation is looking increasingly delicate with reports that the club are keen to acquire the player's image rights.

Officials will meet on Thursday to re-address the situation with one possible solution to pay the left-back half of the revenue from merchandise emblazoned with his name.