Major League Soccer owners are threatening a lockout amid the coronavirus pandemic as the league and players have yet to reach a financial agreement on a return to play.
ESPN reports MLS has “pushed back” against the players association counter-proposal which was approved by the union Sunday night. The league won’t budge from its most recent offer, according to the report, and the owners are giving the players until noon Tuesday to accept that offer or else be locked out. MLS has been looking to resume its season with a tournament in Orlando.
The MLSPA said in a statement it agreed to economic concessions for this season, modifications to the CBA that was agreed upon in February — along with a one-year extension of the CBA — and to participate in the proposed tournament.
“Included were salary reductions across the entire player pool, reduced team and individual bonuses, and additional concessions to existing and future terms of the CBA,” MLSPA’s statement said. “While a difficult vote in incredibly challenging times, it was taken collectively to ensure that Players can return to competition as soon as they are safely able to do so. The package has been formally submitted to the league for a decision by the owners.”
Before proposing a CBA extension, the union’s previous proposal already called for $100 million in concessions. The union is willing to accept a 7.5 percent pay cut, but according to ESPN the league wants an 8.75 percent.
MLS players had been allowed recently to participate in voluntary workouts at team facilities, but The Athletic reported all players were going to refuse to participate Monday in those sessions.