As the Club World Cup approaches, Seattle Sounders players have voiced their displeasure regarding the bonus structure for participating. Ahead of a recent match, players warmed up in shirts displaying “Club World Ca$h Grab” on the front and “Fair Share Now” on the back, protesting their allocated share of the prize money. The Sounders are set to receive a minimum of $9.5 million from the tournament, a sum that could increase based on their performance against challenging Group B opponents like Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Reports indicate that owner Adrian Hanauer expressed anger towards the team in the locker room following the protest. The Sounders collectively opted out of their usual media availability, standing united. The root of the issue lies in the Major League Soccer collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which stipulates that MLS players can receive only 50% of earnings from external tournaments, capped at a total of $1 million to be distributed among the team. While this represents an improvement on previous terms, the potential prize money from this Club World Cup far exceeds this cap, limiting the players` actual take-home amount.
The Sounders` participation in other competitions like the Concacaf Champions Cup and upcoming Leagues Cup contributes to the club`s overall revenue, potentially pushing the theoretical bonus pool above the $1 million team cap. This comes on top of a demanding schedule, as the team will play through the MLS summer break and could see their season extend into November if they make a deep run in the MLS Cup playoffs.
Players argue the current CBA is outdated because it was ratified before the significant prize money structure of the expanded Club World Cup was established. Although Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami, the other two MLS participating teams, haven`t publicly protested, their players are subject to the same financial restrictions.
What the Sounders Are Saying
Sounders captain and goalkeeper Stefan Frei commented publicly on the situation:
“It`s a shame that we`re two weeks away and we have absolutely no clue [about the bonus details].”
“We tried avenues that were private, respectful. I think what we`re asking for is something that`s fair. We`re not asking to make more than what I think FIFA thought would be fair to the players.”
The current CBA remains in effect until 2028, meaning any agreement for players to receive more funds would need to be negotiated separately. The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) is advocating for this change. While the Sounders have previously participated in the Club World Cup, it wasn`t a point of contention then because the prize pool was much smaller, guaranteeing only $500,000 compared to the current minimum of $9.5 million.
The Players` Association Weighs In
In a statement, the MLS Players Association expressed full support:
“The MLSPA and all MLS players stand united with the Seattle Sounders players who tonight demanded a fair share of the FIFA Club World Cup prize money.”
“FIFA`s new tournament significantly increases the players` workload without adequate consideration for their physical well-being. To secure club and player participation in this expanded event, FIFA allocated historic amounts of prize money, resulting in an unprecedented financial windfall for MLS.”
“Despite this substantial gain, the league has refused to allocate a fair percentage of these funds to the players themselves.”
“For months, the players have privately and respectfully invited the league to discuss bonus terms, yet MLS has failed to present a reasonable proposal. Instead of acknowledging the players who elevate MLS on the global stage, the league is adhering to an outdated CBA provision and disregarding established international norms regarding player compensation from FIFA competition prize money.”
“It is the players who are essential to the game. It is the players who are raising the profile of MLS globally. They rightfully expect to be treated fairly and with respect.”
What Happens Next?
As of now, neither team ownership nor FIFA has publicly addressed the dispute. The Sounders and other MLS clubs are expected to participate in the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14, under the current bonus structure, as players are not threatening to withdraw. However, this issue is likely to persist and will undoubtedly be a key point for resolution when the current CBA expires in 2028.
Dominic Ashworth