Sounders Owner Confronts Players Over Club World Cup Prize Money Protest

With just weeks to go before the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, tensions are mounting in Major League Soccer. As reported by GiveMeSport, Seattle Sounders players staged a protest before Sunday’s match against Minnesota United, wearing t-shirts that read “Club World Ca$h Grab” on the front and “Fair Share Now” on the back.

The protest, supported by the MLS Players Association (MLSPA), drew an angry response from Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer, who confronted the squad in the locker room after the game, according to Sounder at Heart.

“We’re two weeks away, and we still have no clarity,” said goalkeeper Stefan Frei. “We tried private channels, respectfully. What we’re asking for is fair — not more than what FIFA likely considers reasonable for players.”

The MLSPA issued a statement ahead of the match, accusing MLS of failing to present a reasonable offer. League sources dispute that, saying ongoing talks have taken place and claiming the MLSPA has yet to submit a formal proposal.

Players are reportedly capped at a $1 million share, despite a tournament prize pool of $1 billion. Each club will earn $9.5 million for participating, with bonuses for matches played, victories, and advancing to the knockout stage. The champion could receive up to $125 million.

“It’s ludicrous that the cap is so low,” Frei added. “We’re fighting not just for ourselves but for future generations. MLS is growing, and that growth should extend to players’ rights.”

Midfielder Cristian Roldan echoed the frustration: “It’s a huge distraction. We’re trying to focus on MLS, but this lingers in the background. It needs to be resolved.”

Seattle is set to compete in Group B against Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, and Botafogo. Inter Miami has also qualified but has yet to stage any protest. LAFC, who recently secured their spot, hasn’t played since qualifying.