Canada male national soccer team return to training after going on a strike to protest world cup prize money
The Canadian male national team have officially gone back to training after going on strike over a World Cup prize money dispute.
Canada qualified for their first men’s World Cup since 1986 when they beat Jamaica in March.
Although The Reds are back to training, the players said there are yet to be answered questions pertaining to the prize money of their world cup qualification. This was captured in a release on Monday, stating they met with leaders of the country’s football association but “we have not reached an agreement”.
It added that both parties “will continue the negotiation process”.
The players went on strike on Sunday, accusing Canada Soccer of “disrespect” over World Cup prize money.
As a result of the strike, Canada was compelled to call off an international friendly with Panama in Vancouver.
Canada has qualified for the 2022 World Cup, only the second time they have reached the men’s finals having previously played in 1986.
Numerous sports outlets suggest there were conflicting reports around the percentage of prize money the players have been offered by Canada Soccer.
TSN first reported that national team players had been offered about 10% of the total amount the country would get from Fifa, set to be at least $10 million (£8m).
On Saturday, Canada Soccer told TSN its offer was 60% to be split equally between players on the men’s and women’s teams, with the players requesting 75-100%.
The men’s team is still scheduled to play Curacao in a Nations League match in Vancouver on Thursday.
