Canada Soccer ‘threatens to sue the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association and players’ amid strike

Canada Soccer has ‘threatened to sue’ the players who attend a team camp, as well as the Canadian Soccer Players Association.

That is according to a TSN report which imminently follows an announcement by the nation’s players that they said they would go on strike due to pay equity issues and budget cuts.

The sources cited said the threat came on Saturday morning, ahead of crucial talks between player representatives and Canada Soccer president Nick Bontis and general secretary Earl Cochrane.

Dailymail.com has contacted both Canada Soccer and the Canadian Soccer Players Association for comment.

Just one day ago, the players from Canada shocked the Commonwealth nation, announcing that they would go on strike just six days before taking part in a four-team tournament in the United States.

The players said Canada Soccer informed the team of significant program cuts for this year, with the team set to play in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in July and August.

According a statement from the Canadian Soccer Players Association – the union that represents the CWNT – have been forced to cut ‘full camp windows, reduce the number of players and staff invited to camps, significantly limit already limited youth team activities, all while we continue to face immense uncertainty about compensation. ‘

“Canada’s national teams have never been more successful or attracted more corporate dollars,” the statement added. “Yet despite these advances, we’re still stuck asking the same question… where’s the funding?”

speaking to TSN reporter Rick Westheadthe reigning Olympic gold medalists said the team will not train or prepare for the SheBelieves Cup, even when the team is in Orlando for game days.

Christine Sinclair – Canada’s captain and highest international goalscorer in soccer history – said the team intends to take labor action.

We arrived at the camp three days ago. We have trained the last two days. Some of us are training today with our jerseys backwards,” Sinclair revealed.

Westhead too tweeted that the Canadian Women’s National Team only has 20 players at their camp in Orlando, which is not enough for them to practice 11v11. The team had 28 players at their final camp before the Tokyo Olympics.

He detailed a pay equity disparitywith flights a microcosm: ‘All MNT players are booked to fly [business] class for the next Concacaf Nations League. WNT player Janine Beckie flew from Manchester to Vancouver for a Team Canada game against Nigeria last April and paid $1,200 out of her own pocket to upgrade from premium economy.’

After the announcement of the strike, Canada Soccer issued a statement saying that they would arrange an emergency meeting with the team on Saturday.

The women’s team gained the support of the men’s national team, with multiple World Cup players including Celtic defender Alastair Johnston. tweeting a statement from his own players association in solidarity.

It is not the first time that members of Canada’s national teams have criticized the governing body for failing to adequately fund their teams.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Canadian men’s central defender Kamal Miller said youth development has been lacking in funding.

“I think what I want most from this World Cup besides winning…is turning on the lights and raising the emergency alarm in Canada Soccer and in these clubs at the youth level that our youth development system needs to be so much better. ‘ Miller said.

Miller further added: “I think [Canada Soccer] we need to do a better job of leveling the playing field so that all children have an equal opportunity.’