Canada-Panama game cancelled as Canadian players strike over compensation

Tensions remain very high between Canada Soccer and its men’s national team.

On Sunday, Canada was originally scheduled to host Panama at BC Place in Vancouver for a pre-tournament matchup. But according to TSN’s Rick Westhead, that game didn't take place because Canadian players remain on strike over compensation issues.

Canada’s national men’s team has issued a statement, asking for a review of Canada Soccer’s broadcast and sponsorship contracts, 40 percent of World Cup qualification money, along with a joint contract with the women's team with equal compensation for match fees.

In 2019, Canada Soccer agreed to a 10-year deal with Canadian Soccer Business, which is an independent company that’s owned by Canadian Premier League team owners. That same contract is now being questioned by the country’s national players.

On Friday, Canada’s national men’s club refused to train for Sunday’s tilt versus Panama and did so for a second time during Saturday’s scheduled practice as well.

The winner of the 2022 World Cup will receive $42 million (USD) of FIFA’s $440 million total prize money. According to Westhead’s earlier report, Canada Soccer is slated to receive just over $10 million after qualifying for the event earlier this year.

Westhead also noted that a source informed him that Canada Soccer has offered to pay its players 10 percent of that $10-million figure, spending the remaining balance on the organization’s administration costs, a national training centre in Vaughan and to create grassroots soccer initiatives. His source also added that players are asking to receive around 40 percent of the World Cup bonus instead of 10.

At the moment, Canada is currently scheduled to face Curacao at BC Place on Jun. 9, however, it remains to be seen if that contest will be played.

The 2022 World Cup will be held in Qatar from Nov. 21 - Dec. 18.

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