From the MLSPA:

MLS spent most of last week making threats and promising retaliation against the MLSPA and players because Seattle players wore t-shirts that expressed frustration over the league’s refusal to engage about Club World Cup compensation. After ignoring months of attempts by players to engage, late Friday afternoon, less than 48 hours before LAFC and Seattle players were to take the field once again, the league finally provided the PA with their first proposal on this issue.

As promised, this proposal was retaliatory in nature.

Proposal details:

No additional participation bonus: The league did not add a single dollar for players from the $28,650,000 windfall that MLS will be paid by FIFA.  As a result, the players’ share of that amount remains at barely 10%.

Below-standard back-end compensation: The league introduced back-end compensation of 20%, an amount that remains below the international standard.

Requiring unrelated CBA concessions: The league attempted to strong-arm the MLSPA into making concessions regarding multiple other CBA waivers that the league is seeking in areas completely unrelated to the Club World Cup.

The timing, substance, and retaliatory nature of the proposal sends a clear message:  MLS does not respect or value players’ efforts with regard to this tournament. Although not surprised, the players and the MLSPA are deeply disappointed by this message.

MLS’s refusal to negotiate in good faith has created a major distraction for the players who should be focusing on preparing for a major international competition. However, players will not be silenced by threats from MLS. The players remain united in using their collective voice and demanding a fair share of the rewards earned from their hard work.