Will the Wanderers take the field in Morocco?
Asian Champions League winners Western Sydney Wanderers have left for the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco despite a pay dispute being unresolved between the players and the A-League club.
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Wanderers players are still weighing up whether or not they will play in the tournament after the club refused to negotiate over what they believe is a fair share of the prize money.
The tournament, which also features Real Madrid, San Lorenzo, Cruz Azul, Auckland City and hosts Mohgreb Tetouan, was not part of the bargaining agreement signed by the players before the season.
The Wanderers have offered players 10 per cent of the minimum $1 million they will receive from FIFA, and have reportedly refused to negotiate with the playing group.
The club issued a statement saying 10 per cent was an appearance fee and not the limit and could rise to $3 million if the Wanderers do the impossible and win the tournament.
“The Western Sydney Wanderers maintain that all residual amounts from the CWC will be used for the purposes of enhancing and improving current training and player facilities, as well as junior academy, community, indigenous and women’s programmes,” the statement added.
“The club’s obligations extend further than focusing on the today and ignoring the tomorrow in all facets of the club and its responsibility to the Western Sydney region.
“The club will make no further comment at this time.”
The Wanderers are scheduled to take on Mexican side Cruz Azul on Saturday, with the winners going on to play European champions Real Madrid.