June 7 – Canada men’s national team have resumed training but say “questions have yet to be answered” after going on strike over World Cup prize money on Sunday, accusing Canada Soccer of “disrespect”.
Canada was forced to cancel a match with Panama in Vancouver just three hours before kick-off because of the long-running dispute whose demands include an “equitable structure with our women’s national team.”
English coach John Herdman’s squad are demanding a bigger slice of World Cup revenues after being initially offered just 10% of the money Canada Soccer stand to receive from FIFA.
The industrial action came just a few months ahead of the men’s first World Cup appearance in 36 years. Reports said the players rejected a contract offer presented to the squad last Thursday.
“Canada Soccer waited until the evening of June 2 to present an archaic offer and the general secretary and president of the association only made themselves available for the first time to connect with the players on June 4 at 4pm,” the players’ statement said.
“For these reasons, we reluctantly decided not to play our match against Panama. It’s time we take a stand for the future of soccer in Canada.”
“Canada Soccer has disrespected our team and jeopardised our efforts to raise the standards and effectively advance the game in Canada.”
Canada are due to play the opening game of their Nations League campaign against Curacao on Friday in Vancouver before travelling to face their other group opponent Honduras on June 14. The Panama fixture was intended as a warm-up to replace the Iran friendly that was cancelled.
Canada kick-off their World Cup campaign against Belgium on November 23 before further group matches against Croatia and Morocco.
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