Players from the Seattle Sounders are protesting the bonuses they are set to receive for participating in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup. Before a recent match, players warmed up in shirts featuring the slogans `Club World Ca$h Grab` on the front and `Fair Share Now` on the back to voice their discontent. The Sounders are guaranteed a minimum of $9.5 million from the tournament, a sum that could increase depending on their performance in a challenging group.
The core of the issue stems from the Major League Soccer collective bargaining agreement (CBA). This agreement currently limits MLS players to receiving only 50% of revenue from external tournaments, with a team-wide cap of $1 million to be shared among all players. Despite being an increase from past agreements, players argue this cap is insufficient and outdated, especially concerning the significant prize money involved in this tournament. Following the protest shirts during the warm-up, reports indicated Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer addressed the team angrily in the locker room. The team also collectively opted out of standard media availability in a show of solidarity.
Participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, alongside other competitions like the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup, adds to the players` workload. The club is set to receive substantial funds from these tournaments, enough that the $1 million player cap becomes a significant limitation. This comes as players face a demanding schedule, potentially extending their season deep into the fall.
Sounders players contend that the current CBA, ratified prior to the scale of the FIFA Club World Cup prize money being known, is out of date regarding this matter. While other MLS teams participating (Los Angeles FC and Inter Miami) have not staged similar public protests yet, their players are subject to the same contractual restrictions.
Players Speak Out
Sounders captain and goalkeeper Stefan Frei publicly addressed the situation, stating, `It`s a shame that we`re two weeks away and we have absolutely no clue,` highlighting the lack of clarity on the bonus distribution. Frei added, `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 is valid until 2028, meaning any change to player bonuses would require negotiation outside the current agreement. This issue wasn`t prominent in previous Club World Cup appearances due to significantly smaller prize pools (e.g., $500,000 guaranteed previously).
The Players` Association`s Stance
The Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) released a statement fully supporting the Seattle Sounders players. The statement criticized FIFA`s new tournament for adding to player workload without considering well-being and noted that FIFA`s large prize pools were intended to ensure participation. The MLSPA highlighted the `unprecedented financial windfall` for MLS resulting from this, while stating the league `has refused to allocate a fair percentage of those funds to the players themselves.`
The MLSPA further accused the league of ignoring requests for discussion and clinging to an outdated CBA clause, disregarding international norms for player shares of FIFA prize money in global competitions. They concluded by emphasizing the players` role in elevating MLS on the global stage and their expectation of fair treatment and respect.
What Happens Next?
As neither team ownership nor FIFA have publicly resolved the issue, the Seattle Sounders and other participating MLS teams are currently expected to play in the Club World Cup under the existing bonus structure. While players are not threatening to withdraw from the tournament, which begins June 14, this protest underscores a significant point of contention that will likely persist and need resolution, particularly as the current collective bargaining agreement`s expiry in 2028 approaches.
