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AFL whistleblowers will take a 50 per cent pay cut until the end of May, rising to 70 per cent if the competition's shutdown is extended.

AFL umpires will take a minimum 50 per cent pay cut during the shutdown period under a new agreement struck with league headquarters.

The figure will increase to 70 per cent if the 2020 season is postponed beyond May.

The measures come in response to the crippling financial crisis the game is facing because of the global coronavirus outbreak.

"The umpires have agreed to take a significant reduction to their salaries to limit the game's financial losses and to ensure we can keep the industry going," AFL head of umpiring Grant Williams said.

Under the agreement, AFL umpires will receive 50 per cent of their base and match payments when the season resumes.

The whistleblowers have agreed to continue working through to the end of December, if required, to ensure the completion of the season.

The AFL remains intent on playing a 153-match home-and-away season, plus finals.