A few weeks before their debut at the FIFA Club World Cup, one of the participating teams, Seattle Sounders FC, is making headlines. As one of three MLS teams representing North America in the tournament, the players are advocating for a share of the prize money associated with the event.
Ahead of their home match against Minnesota United on Sunday, the Sounders showcased a warm-up shirt reading "Club World Cash Grab," featuring an image of an “exclusive man” in a top hat with the word "MLS" and a money bag labeled "FIFA." The shirt’s back stated, "Fair share now."
Following this display, the MLS Players Association (MLSPA) publicly backed the Sounders’ demands. In their statement, the MLSPA expressed solidarity with the Sounders’ call for a substantial portion of the Club World Cup prize money, which they view as one of the tournament’s major controversies and an added responsibility for the participating clubs.
The association noted, “To align with this additional calendar, FIFA promised historic prize money to ensure clubs and players would participate. Consequently, MLS is poised to reap significant financial benefits. Yet, despite this overhaul, the league has chosen not to allocate a meaningful percentage of these funds to the players.”
The MLSPA emphasized that players have approached the league "respectfully" to negotiate bonus terms, but have faced refusals. “The players are the backbone of the game. It is they who elevate MLS on an international scale, and they deserve to be treated with equity and respect,” the statement concluded.
In addition to the Sounders, MLS will also be represented by Inter Miami FC, the 2024 MLS Shield winners, following their playoff victory against Club América. Seattle’s Lumen Field is among the twelve U.S. venues hosting matches, alongside Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
While facing renowned European teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG, and Inter Milan, the three MLS teams will work hard to advance beyond the group stage. Regardless of the outcomes, the MLS stands to gain significantly from the tournament, as FIFA has guaranteed $9.55 million in prize money for each North American club participating. Teams can also earn additional funds through victories and draws in the group stage, as well as in knockout rounds.
FIFA’s substantial financial incentives aim to enhance the tournament’s appeal, with considerable sums at stake. In addition to the prize money, FIFA mandates that participating clubs field their strongest line-ups, as European champions can potentially earn over $100 million. The tournament will be streamed by DAZN, which signed on after other networks showed less interest. TNT and Univision will also cover the matches.
Inter Miami will kick off their Club World Cup journey on June 14 against Egyptian side Al Ahly, while the Sounders will play their inaugural group stage match the next day against Brazilian club Botafogo. LAFC is set to face Chelsea the following day.
Fan Take: This news highlights a critical moment for MLS players advocating for their fair share of the growing financial landscape in soccer. As the league continues to expand its global presence, equitable treatment for players will be vital for maintaining the sport’s integrity and growth in North America.
