Major League Soccer and its Players’ Association continue to iron out how much money players from Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami, the Seattle Sounders, and Los Angeles FC will earn from participating in the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins Saturday.
The most recent proposal MLS sent to the players’ association includes $1 million from the $9.55 million MLS clubs receive just for participating, including 20% of all performance bonuses, according to a person with direct knowledge of the negotiations. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
MLS sent its most recent proposal to the players’ association last Friday.
While the Players’ Association did not exchange a formal proposal, it floated a counter of $4 million of the $9.55 million participation fee and 35-40% of all performance bonuses, the person said.
The $1 million is a figure already promised to players as part of the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
The MLSPA released a statement Sunday, which stated “the league did not add a single dollar for players” in its proposal, adding the 20 percent in performance compensation offered is “below the international standard.”
“MLS does not respect or value players’ efforts with regard to this tournament. … The players remain united in using their collective voice and demanding a fair share of the rewards earned from their hard work,” the MLSPA statement added.
Along with participation fees, Club World Cup teams will earn $1 million for draws or $2 million for wins during the group stage with more money in advancing rounds. Clubs in the round of 16 will earn $7.5 million, quarterfinalists earn $13.125 million and semifinalists earn $21 million. The runner-up will earn $30 million, while the winner will make $40 million.
MLS players would split $200,000 for draws or $400,000 for wins during the group stage, $1.5 million for reaching the round of 16, $2.625 million for reaching the quarterfinal, $4.2 million for being a semifinalist, $6 million for being the runner-up and $8 million for winning the tournament, based on the proposal.
If Inter Miami, Seattle or LAFC win the Club World Cup, the players would split $23.925 million of the $124,175 million the winner would net based on the recent proposal, in addition to their participation compensation.
MLS is unsure whether a final decision could be reached before, during or even after the tournament, the person added.
LAFC also received an additional $250,000 bonus in general allocation money for getting into the Club World Cup after beating LIGA MX powerhouse Club America during a play-in match on May 31.
LAFC will also receive $750,000 in general allocation money – like Inter Miami and Seattle have already received and spent – from the $9.55 million participation fee. The GAM is intended for the clubs to sign or retain players.
MLS spoke to at least a dozen teams in the tournament field to gather information on how they were paying players for participating and learned some were only paying players if the club reached the quarterfinals or later. They also learned Real Madrid will pay its players $1 million each only if they win the Club World Cup, according to the person.
It’s been a week since Seattle Sounders players wore t-shirts with the phrases “Club World Ca$h Grab” and “Fair Share Now” in protest before a home match last Sunday. The MLSPA also released a statement seeking a fair share of the financial windfall MLS will receive from FIFA for participating in the tournament.
Messi and Inter Miami will play in the Club World Cup opener against Egyptian club Al Alhy on June 14 in Miami. Inter Miami will also play FC Porto (Portugal) on June 19 in Atlanta and SE Palmeiras (Brazil) in Miami on June 23 in the group stage.
The Sounders will face Botafogo (Brazil) on June 15, Atletico Madrid (Spain) on June 19, then Paris Saint-Germain (France) on June 23 during the group stage, hosting all three matches at home in Lumen Field in Seattle.
LAFC will face Chelsea (England) in Atlanta on June 16, Espérance (Tunisia) in Nashville on June 20 and CR Flamengo (Brazil) in Orlando on June 24 during the group stage.