MLS, players still at odds on Club World Cup compensation - ESPN

The discussions between MLS and the MLS Players Association over the Club World Cup prize money and player compensation remain ongoing, with the two sides failing to agree so far on terms in a newly revised section of the collective bargaining agreement.

Seattle Sounders FC players first brought the issue to the forefront with a protest in front of fans at Lumen Field on June 1 by wearing shirts that read «Club World Cash Grab» and «Fair Share Now.» The MLSPA initially released a statement in support of the players' actions, as the two parties demanded a fair share of the FIFA Club World Cup prize money the team secured when qualifying for the international tournament.

The original CBA stated that players receive 50% of money from outside tournaments with a cap of $1 million. A source with knowledge of the discussions told ESPN that a revised proposal from MLS committed to grant players on the three participating teams 20% of the performance-related payments for wins, draws and round advancement.

Players collectively would receive $1 million for participation, in addition to any money earned for victories, draws or round qualification throughout the tournament. Separately, LAFC earned $250,000 collectively for the victory against Club America in a playoff on May 31 to secure a spot in the tournament.

The MLSPA received the proposal on Friday. A source with knowledge of the discussions added the MLSPA demanded a larger percentage but has not formally responded to the league's proposal.

In a statement, however, the MLSPA called the actions taken by MLS as «retaliatory» and unsatisfactory.

«The timing, substance, and retaliatory nature of the proposal sends a clear message: MLS does not respect or value players' efforts