Bloomberg reports that FIFPro, the international players’ union, has said MLS management is threatening to lock out players as the two sides are failing to reach agreement on a new labour contract. The old deal runs out on January 31.
In a statement, FIFA said: “FIFA understands that this domestic issue is being resolved in accordance with U.S. labor laws and does not involve the U.S. Soccer Federation. FIFA will not interfere in the process. We have been assured that FIFA's regulations have been and will be respected.”
FIFPro claims that the structure of the MLS and its labour agreements, in which all players sign with the league rather than single teams, violates FIFA regulations. FIFPro says many players don’t have guaranteed contracts, players can be transferred without their consent, and out-of-contract players have restricted freedom of movement.
The average annual income of an MLS player was $147,945 at the start of last season.
