Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The United States Men's National Team Players Association (USMNTPA) accepted a no-strike, no-lockout provision from the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) through 2005, opening the door for the senior national team stars to return in time for World Cup qualifiers.
The final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins for the U.S. on February 9 against Trinidad and Tobago. The players had already missed out on a December training camp and two friendlies in January.
The two sides had been without a contract since December of 2002. The new agreement will reward the players with a 38-percent increase in wages compared to the previous deal.
"We're very pleased the union has accepted our latest proposal and given us the assurance that there will be no strikes for any U.S. Soccer activity through the duration of the year," U.S. Soccer president Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia said. "This certainty allows us to confidently begin calling players into camp and to continue preparing for our participation in the final round of World Cup qualifying play. This is a clear win for both the fans and the sport of soccer in the U.S."
A team of minor leaguers was assembled just last week in case a deal was not reached. The replacement squad was a group of 22 unnamed players from minor league teams from both the outdoor and indoor ranks.
Now, however, stars such as Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra will be ready to participate in the qualifying matches. The U.S. men are currently ranked 11th in the world and expect to be a major factor at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"We certainly believe that moving forward in this manner can help the two parties reach a collective bargaining agreement that is not only good for the long-term growth of the sport in the U.S., but is also good for our national team players and our millions of members," Contiguglia said.
The agreement, however, is only a temporary fix. The two sides still must agree on a long-term solution that will guarantee the players availability for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Under the temporary agreement, the players can strike prior to the competition, which begins in June of next year.
01/22 09:57:20 ET
sportsnetwork.com
The final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifying begins for the U.S. on February 9 against Trinidad and Tobago. The players had already missed out on a December training camp and two friendlies in January.
The two sides had been without a contract since December of 2002. The new agreement will reward the players with a 38-percent increase in wages compared to the previous deal.
"We're very pleased the union has accepted our latest proposal and given us the assurance that there will be no strikes for any U.S. Soccer activity through the duration of the year," U.S. Soccer president Dr. S. Robert Contiguglia said. "This certainty allows us to confidently begin calling players into camp and to continue preparing for our participation in the final round of World Cup qualifying play. This is a clear win for both the fans and the sport of soccer in the U.S."
A team of minor leaguers was assembled just last week in case a deal was not reached. The replacement squad was a group of 22 unnamed players from minor league teams from both the outdoor and indoor ranks.
Now, however, stars such as Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley and Carlos Bocanegra will be ready to participate in the qualifying matches. The U.S. men are currently ranked 11th in the world and expect to be a major factor at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
"We certainly believe that moving forward in this manner can help the two parties reach a collective bargaining agreement that is not only good for the long-term growth of the sport in the U.S., but is also good for our national team players and our millions of members," Contiguglia said.
The agreement, however, is only a temporary fix. The two sides still must agree on a long-term solution that will guarantee the players availability for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Under the temporary agreement, the players can strike prior to the competition, which begins in June of next year.
01/22 09:57:20 ET
sportsnetwork.com
