MLS clubs starting next Wednesday will be allowed to open up their outdoor practice fields for individual training exercises for players, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. However, that is only if state government and city officials allow for it based on their own specific orders. Players still would not have access to their training building. Training at the facility grounds is optional for players. An announcement from MLS is expected later today with more details.
MLS' original proposal on salary cuts did not sit well with the player poolGETTY IMAGES
PLAYER PAY CUTS: MLS also is exploring alternative ways to cut back on player spending after initially floating a preliminary proposal of what salary reductions could look like. Sources said that the original proposal did not sit well with the player pool. Around 100 players last week heard from MLS Commissioner Don Garber and ownership with the Whitecaps and DC United to discuss the shutdown’s economic impact and the league’s mindset when it originally asked players to take pay reductions. A source characterized the discussions as constructive, believing that there is common ground between both the league and players with both sides wanting to return to training and, hopefully, playing. Others described the distance between the union and league as “very far away.” Those individuals, including another source, said that conversations are currently ongoing and active. Yet another source said there is a disconnect between players and the front office. In other words, it was difficult for players to see a need for them to take the proposed pay cut while senior front office executives, including Garber and Deputy Commissioners Mark Abbott and Gary Stevenson, took a 25% reduction in salary.
CBA'S IMPACT: One complication for MLS player salary matters is that there currently is no ratified CBA, which was agreed to in principle and announced in early February. Additionally, there is no known force majeure clause that could potentially make it easier for the league to stop paying players. There is a sentiment among the player pool that the league is using non-ratification of the CBA to get players to take a pay reduction, several sources said. It was an issue raised on last week’s call with ownership and Garber, though the league told players it is not using that as leverage in negotiations. Sources also have said there is a belief that the BOG and league cannot ratify the CBA during the current economic climate and with no matches being played.
