The friendly match between Canada and Panama, preparatory to the 2022 World Cup, scheduled for this Sunday in Vancouver, was canceled two hours before kick-off, the Canadian players refusing to enter the field, exposing a troubled relationship with their football federation.

Through a letter circulated on social networks, they formulate a series of demands, including a higher prize pool for the November tournament in Qatar, demanding 40% of the sum raised by the administrators, in addition to a package more inclusive for families and friends. of the delegation that will accompany the team.

The athletes have apologized to fans who attended the BC stadium, revealing they have been seeking a deal since March and the top hats have been postponing contact, claiming travel and downtime. The first response, according to the players, only came last Thursday, in an offer deemed “archaic”. The first meeting between the interested parties took place only last Saturday, the day before the friendly match.

With the qualification for the Cup, after 36 years, the Canadians hoped that the conditions of soccer in the country would improve considerably, but the changes did not occur. The list of demands also includes changes to women’s football and the creation of a national women’s league. Equal payouts for male and female teams and more former entity power players.

Last Friday and Saturday training had already been canceled before the friendly match against Panama. Canada, who currently occupy the 38th position in the FIFA rankings, now have an appointment scheduled for the 9th, against Curaçao, in a duel valid for the Concacaf Nations League. However, the athletes say the match could also not go ahead if the sides fail to reach an agreement. A further meeting is scheduled for the next few days.