MLS players protest FIFA Club World Cup pay: What it means for the $1 billion prize

As the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 unfolds across the USA with a record $1 billion prize pool, Major League Soccer players are voicing strong dissatisfaction over their compensation, raising questions about player rights and tournament economics. This report covers the tournament's expanded format, star teams, and the growing tensions behind the scenes.

Sources:
UsatodayNbcnews+1
Updated 1m ago
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Sources: Nbcnews
The FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place across 12 venues in 11 U.S. cities from June 14 to July 13, 2025, has expanded to feature 32 clubs competing for a record $1 billion prize pool.

This new format mirrors the FIFA World Cup, dividing teams into eight groups of four, with the top two advancing to knockout stages. Big names like Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Botafogo, and Al-Hilal are among the competitors.

However, the tournament has sparked controversy as MLS players protested pay disparities. Before their June 1 match, Seattle Sounders players wore white T-shirts reading 'Club World Ca$h Grab', depicting Mr. Monopoly with an 'MLS' top hat and a pouch labeled 'FIFA.'

"This is for bragging rights," said Jill Ellis, FIFA's chief football officer and former U.S. women's national team coach, emphasizing the prestige involved.

Yet, the financial stakes are significant. The winner can earn up to $125 million, far exceeding mere bragging rights and raising questions about how prize money is distributed among players.

The protest highlights tensions within MLS regarding compensation relative to the tournament's lucrative rewards, underscoring broader debates about player pay in global soccer.

As the tournament unfolds, the balance between prestige and fair player remuneration remains a critical issue for MLS and FIFA alike.
Sources: Nbcnews
MLS players protested FIFA Club World Cup pay before the June 1 Seattle Sounders match, highlighting concerns over the $1 billion prize pool. The expanded tournament, featuring 32 teams across the U.S. from June 14 to July 13, offers up to $125 million to the winner, stirring debate on fair compensation.
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Key Facts
  • FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be held in 12 venues across 11 cities in the USA from 14 June to 13 July 2025 with many of the best men’s club teams competing for the trophy.1
  • The tournament format has been expanded to 32 clubs divided into eight groups of four playing a round-robin group stage, with the top two teams advancing to knockout stages.1
  • The prize money pool is set at $1 billion USD, with the winner earning up to $125 million.2Nbcnews
  • Notable teams confirmed include Paris Saint-Germain (France), Real Madrid (Spain), Botafogo (Brazil), and Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia).1
  • The June 15 schedule features key matches such as Auckland City FC vs. FC Bayern München and Atlético de Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain.Usatoday
  • Jill Ellis, FIFA’s chief football officer, describes the tournament as a chance to be the first-ever club world champion.Nbcnews
  • Major League Soccer players protested over compensation by wearing white T-shirts reading 'Club World Ca$h Grab' with an image of Mr. Monopoly wearing an 'MLS' top hat and holding a pouch labeled 'FIFA' before a June 1 match.Nbcnews
There is $1 billion USD of prize money up for grabs, as well as the honour of being crowned the best men’s football team in the world.
Olympics.com
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Here is the full FIFA Club World Cup schedule for June 15 and how to watch all the games. FIFA Club World Cup schedule today - Auckland City FC vs. FC Bayern München, 12 p.m., TQL Stadium, Cincinnati - Atléti­co de Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain, 3 p.m., TNT, truTV Rose Bowl Stadium, Los Angeles.
Usatoday
Usatoday
Before a June 1 match players from the Seattle Sounders donned white T-shirts during warmups that read 'Club World Ca$h Grab,' with an image of the Mr. Monopoly character wearing an 'MLS' top hat and holding a pouch reading 'FIFA.'
Nbcnews
Nbcnews
Key Stats at a Glance
Number of venues
12 venues
1
Number of host cities
11 cities
1
Number of clubs
32 clubs
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Total prize money pool
$1 billion USD
1
Winner's prize money
$125 million
Nbcnews

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