The Seattle Sounders player received backing from the Major League Soccer Players Association (MLSPA) on Sunday, calling for a fair share of the prize money from the FIFA Club World Cup, which the team earned by participating in the prestigious tournament. FIFA has confirmed that each team will get $9.55 million, a payment they are entitled to after winning the 2021 CONCACAF Champions Cup, allowing them to represent Concacaf.
In a statement, the MLSPA emphasized their support, highlighting the need for a significant portion of the World Cup prize money for the players. During their match against Minnesota United, players wore shirts reading "Club World Cash Glove" and "Fairshare Now" to express their demands.
The statement from the players and MLSPA noted, "The MLSPA and all MLS players stand in solidarity with the Sounders, advocating for a fair share of FIFA’s prize money. The challenges of the new tournament are adding to the players’ heavy workloads, all while efforts to properly compensate them for their contributions seem lacking."
Despite the calls for change, the league has reportedly not committed to allocating these funds to the players. For months, players have been urging the league for productive discussions about bonuses, but MLS has yet to respond adequately, neglecting to address the historical standards for player compensation in global competitions.
"It’s the players who make the game thrive and elevate MLS globally. They deserve to be treated equitably and with respect."
MLS had not provided a response when reached by ESPN. The Sounders, who suffered a 3-2 defeat to Minnesota on Sunday, are set to compete against Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, the newly crowned Champions League winners, in Group B of the Club World Cup, starting with Botafogo on June 15 at Lumenfield. Inter Miami CF and LAFC will also participate, with LAFC having recently qualified by defeating Club America in a playoff.
Fan Take: This situation highlights the ongoing struggle for player rights and fair compensation in professional soccer, a topic that resonates deeply with fans. By standing up for equitable share of prize money, players not only advocate for themselves but also signal to fans the importance of valuing the sport’s stars, which could reshape the relationship between leagues and athletes moving forward.
