(Vancouver) A training session for the Canadian men’s soccer team scheduled for Friday has been canceled due to salary negotiations.
Posted at 7:50 p.m.
Saturday’s practice is still pending.
The Canadian outfit are in Vancouver for a friendly against Panama on Sunday and for a Concacaf Nations League tie against Curacao on Thursday.
Maple Leaf fitness coaches placed the gear at the Vancouver Whitecaps practice facility on Friday afternoon, but then picked it all up and left the field minutes before the scheduled practice time.
According to the TSN network, the players refused to take part in training due to contract negotiations which include, in part, how much the athletes will receive to participate in the World Cup.
A spokesperson for Canada Soccer said on Saturday that salary discussions are ongoing.
Association President Nick Bontis and Acting General Secretary are scheduled to land in Vancouver on Saturday afternoon. The said Canada Soccer spokesperson mentioned that their visit was scheduled before Friday.
Men’s head coach John Herdman said every minute his squad spends together is “crucial” as the team prepares to compete at international soccer’s biggest competition in November.
“Not a minute can be wasted at this time,” he said in a statement when the Canadian roster was announced last month.
Sunday’s game will be Canada’s first of three games – ranked 38e world level – during this international truce.
Canada was not originally scheduled to face Panama this week. The Canadian XI was due to cross swords with Iran on Sunday, but the meeting drew the wrath of many – including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who mentioned that “it’s not a very good idea” – and was cancelled.