Canada refusing to play in World Cup warmup due to strike over compensation issues

TSN Senior Correspondent

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Canada’s national men’s soccer team is refusing to play in a World Cup warmup game tonight in Vancouver against Panama because of a dispute over player compensation, the team’s players said in a joint statement released Sunday afternoon.

The players skipped scheduled training sessions the past two days at the University of British Columbia because of the dispute. The team is scheduled to face Curacao at BC Place on June 9. It’s unclear if that game will take place.

Canada Soccer has yet to respond to the players’ decision. The organization did release a tweet confirming Sunday’s match is cancelled.

Canada Soccer's Men's National Team international match scheduled for Sunday 5 June at BC Place has been canceled. Additional details will be provided to all ticket purchasers. pic.twitter.com/jUnxTTpZe5

In a two-page letter titled “Dear Canada,” the men’s national team players wrote that they feel disrespected by Canada Soccer. “We hoped that qualifying this team would bring a level of respect and financial opportunity that could raise the standards and opportunities for the next generation of players in our country and change the trajectory of soccer in Canada forever,” the players wrote. “We want to work together with our organization, but the relationship has been strained for years. And now, Canada soccer has disrespected our team and jeopardized our efforts to raise the standards and effectively advance the game in Canada.”

This is the "Dear Canada" letter released by Canada's national men's team players. Asking for a review of Canada Soccer's broadcast & sponsorship contracts, 40% of World Cup qualification money, and a joint contract with the women's team with equal