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Wanderers may boycott Cup over pay dispute

Western Sydney Wanderers players have threatened to boycott the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco over a pay dispute.

The Wanderers are scheduled to depart Sydney on Sunday, but that could be delayed with Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) chief executive Adam Vivian confirming players are considering their participation in the lucrative competition.

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It is believed Western Sydney’s management have offered the players a 10 per cent share of the $US1 million ($1.2 million) minimum they will make for qualifying for the tournament, but that deal isn’t good enough according to the players.

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Vivian said the players’ position was the result of the club failing to enter into meaningful negotiations regarding the distribution of prizemoney associated with their participation in the tournament.

“The players have made every attempt to reach an agreement on a fair and equitable share of the prizemoney,” Vivian said in a statement on Sunday.

“Despite these intentions the club has consistently refused to negotiate in good faith.

The club has been unreceptive and unwilling to work towards an agreement that sees the players fairly remunerated for their success.

PFA chief Adam Vivian

“Throughout this process the players have proposed a number of solutions to assist in coming to a resolution, including mediation and arbitration.

“However, the club has been unreceptive and unwilling to work towards an agreement that sees the players fairly remunerated for their success in reaching the tournament as the Champions of Asia or reflects their increased workload.

“As a result of this the players, with the full support of the PFA, have unanimously taken the decision to consider their participation in the tournament.

“The players and the PFA remain committed to sitting down with the Wanderers management to negotiate an acceptable outcome for all parties.”

The Wanderers are set to meet the might of Mexico, Cruz Azul, on December 14 at the Club World Cup and a win books a date with global superpower Real Madrid.

Western Sydney sits last on the A-League ladder, winless after nine rounds following a 2-0 loss to Adelaide on Saturday night.

AAP

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