Uncertain times: Western Sydney Wanderers will hold crisis talks in Morocco in a bid to resolve the pay dispute. Photo: Getty Images
Western Sydney Wanderers management and players are set to hold crisis talks in Morocco over a bitter pay dispute that has led to the squad threatening to boycott training sessions and games in the prestigious Club World Cup.Â
Senior club officials and directors were scheduled to depart for Morocco on Monday night with the feud surrounding the split of the prize money from the Club World Cup no closer to being solved. With the relationship between management and players at rock bottom, players – advised by their union – are remaining firm on their threat to withdraw from training sessions and potentially the opening match against Mexican club Cruz Azul on December 13 unless the club improves their offer of a 10 per cent share of the initial $1.2 million prize money.Â
United front: Wanderers players are remaining firm on their threat to withdraw from training sessions and potentially the opening match against Mexican club Cruz Azul. Photo: James Brickwood
On Monday, the club publicly revealed their progressive payment offer to players that will give the squad their request of a 50 per cent share of the takings – but only if they beat Real Madrid and go on to win the title. The players are not accepting the club's offer which falls well short of their initial asking price of 50 per cent, which falls in line with the share divided among players for winning the Asian Champions League.Â
The club confirmed the profits associated with the tournament will fund infrastructure projects such as a youth academy, new training centre, offices as well as other community programs.
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Fairfax Media understands the players would be willing to find a common ground but have not ruled out the possibility of arbitration in the event an agreement is not made before the tournament. The club confirmed their offer grows incrementally pending results in the lucrative tournament. Should the Wanderers defeat Mexican giants and North American champions, Cruz Azul, the players will receive a 25 per cent share of the minimum $2.4 million prize money they will receive.Â
A victory over Cruz Azul will set up a clash against European champions Real Madrid. In the unlikely event the Wanderers defeat the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Sergio Ramos, Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, the players will receive a 40 per cent share of the minimum $4.8 million prize money for reaching the final.Â
Real Madrid have won their past 18 games in all competitions including convincing victories over Barcelona, Liverpool, Athletic Bilbao and Villarreal. Should Western Sydney do what none of those clubs could and topple the Spanish league leaders, they will then likely play South American champions San Lorenzo in the decider. If the Wanderers pull-off another incredible upset, the players will then receive a 50 per cent cut of the $6 million winners' purse.
The statement read: "The players' bonuses at the Club World Cup  will not be limited to 10%. This is an appearance payment which is not contingent on any wins and equates to over $120,000. Should the team win their opening match then the players would receive over $600,000 as a minimum for reaching the next round, $1,950,000 the round after that, and over $3,000,000 should they be ultimately successful."