After protesting and refusing to play a friendly match against Panama, the players of the Canadian national team resumed training. We believe that the federation will work with us to resolve this situation together.
The protest concerned the breakdown of negotiations between the union and the players over pay to play for the national team and participation in the World Cup, which Canada qualified for for the first time since 1986.
Sunday evening, the authorities of the federation and the players resumed negotiations, and Monday’s team training does not mean that they are over.
In a letter published by TSN, Canada’s players made a long list of demands, including: demanding a 40% share of the FIFA World Cup promotion and participation bonus and a “comprehensive package for friends and families” allowing them to travel to Qatar.
The players are also calling for greater recognition of the women’s national team and measures to develop the national football league.
Just two hours before Sunday’s match against Panama in Vancouver, the Canadian players announced that they would not take part in the match in protest at their non-compliance with their demands.
Canada will be participating in the World Cup for the second time. They debuted in 1986 in Mexico, but didn’t make it past the group stage. In Qatar, their opponents in Group F will be Belgium, Croatia and Morocco.
CM, PAP
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