Benchmark agreements in other countries

[mpetrik]

Did a search on this and didn't find anything...

We have a decent sense about what the PA is seeking and what the USSF is offering and the gap between the two.

My question: What are the agreements in place in some other countries? I would exclude European ones, but perhaps others feel differently. Thinking more like Australia, Canada, South Africa, perhaps some of the South American countries.

Are the players' demands out of whack? Management's? As is usually the case...a bit of both?

If they did actually agree to arbitration, what benchmarks would a judge use to decide?

Would appreciate a bit more perspective...

[Sandon Mibut]

Did a search on this and didn't find anything...

We have a decent sense about what the PA is seeking and what the USSF is offering and the gap between the two.

My question: What are the agreements in place in some other countries? I would exclude European ones, but perhaps others feel differently. Thinking more like Australia, Canada, South Africa, perhaps some of the South American countries.

Are the players' demands out of whack? Management's? As is usually the case...a bit of both?

If they did actually agree to arbitration, what benchmarks would a judge use to decide?

Would appreciate a bit more perspective...This is the million, perhaps literally, dollar question.

Fact is, we don't know.

Heck, USSF and the players may not know.

Initially, the USSF claimed the players were among the highest paid national teams in the world. I don't know if that's true or not and the USSF hasn't been heard saying that lately.

I would think the Euro-based players would be able, say over a beer or two, to get some info from their teammates, but maybe suck talk is frowned upon. I really don't know.

Then again, maybe they have it and they're keeping said info private. I do think that if the players had the info AND the US players were underpaid, we'd have heard about it by now.

That's not to say they aren't underpaid. They still could be. But I don't think they know if they are or not.

And you make a valid point. Without said information, it would be tough for an arbitrator to make an informed decision, which may be another reason the players rejected it.

[spot]

In fairness the lack of popularity and historical insolvency of soccer in the US makes comparisons to other countries difficult. I doubt, for example, that the FA spends much money promoting football in the UK. I also suspect that Beckham gets new endorsements or incentives from current deals for each appearance for England that makes anything the FA can offer just look silly.

[buckeye5]

In fairness the lack of popularity and historical insolvency of soccer in the US makes comparisons to other countries difficult. I doubt, for example, that the FA spends much money promoting football in the UK. I also suspect that Beckham gets new endorsements or incentives from current deals for each appearance for England that makes anything the FA can offer just look silly.

Good point. Also revenue, at least for developed countries, has to be astronomically higher. England plays, 8-10 matches in England this year? Most have been at Old Trafford, St. James, or Villa. 50,000 per match avg.(b/c all qualies are at Old Trafford), that's 400,000 people x 30 BPS = 12 million poinds on gate draw alone. not to mention shirt sales, endorsements, etc.

Another question I have is why are these negotiations now? Why don't they happen the new calendar year just after the World Cup? Who cares if we would have had to have thrown a crap team out for the Gold Cup in 03? (or even confeds cup?). Obviously, we do, but not as crucial as this.

[Craig P]

Another question I have is why are these negotiations now? Why don't they happen the new calendar year just after the World Cup?Because the agreement did expire at the end of the calendar year just after the World Cup, but the two sides have not been in any hurry to reach an agreement. The players seem to posit that the fed has been engaging in some foot-dragging. Regardless of who's to blame, both sides have decided that they can't put it off any longer now.

Who cares if we would have had to have thrown a crap team out for the Gold Cup in 03? (or even confeds cup?). Obviously, we do, but not as crucial as this.Well, now, that's obviously a reason for the players to have not pressed the point previously... their bargaining position is stronger now because there are important games at stake.