Following up on the good work of Protagonist Soccer and the Knights that say NISA podcast, I have had several conversations with player agents and others about the reporting related to player pay in NISA.
The big question beyond the obvious ethics of low pay is how does this correspond with FIFA rules related to compensation being more than football-related expenses - if you don’t meet this threshold the players are actually not deemed professionals. Also there is the potential labor law implications depending on which state we are talking about, in terms of minimum and training wages.
For what its worth, I do think we have been in this position before with certain NASL and USL clubs in the past. But in those cases it did not appear as widespread as it sounds like it may be here.
Ironically, many teams in adult-amateur leagues actually do pay players … and they pay them more than NISA sides are apparently paying them, which is not a good look for NISA or the USSF. The lower division soccer business in this country is tough. I know this better than anyone from my own personal experiences. It’s a grind, it’s hard work and often times the promised money just isn’t there.
Personally, as a contractor for clubs, I’ve been “stiffed” multiple times or had to sign away sign away my full compensation to just get partial payment. I never made a public issue out of it, but that’s not the point - I know personally it happens and happens often at the lower division level in the US.
So I know exactly how the players must feel.
It’s been simple for some critics of the system to say everything whether its failures of clubs or underpaying of staff or this situation is the fault of the USSF or MLS for enabling anti-competitive practices and the closed league system in this country. That seems to be what a lot of people like to say. And I do think that has a big impact on what happens.
But it’s not everything. And it doesn’t excuse poor behavior and not paying a living wage. Just because the system might be rigged doesn’t mean you don’t respect those depending on you to earn a living. I do plan to follow up on all of this.
Look for something more detailed sometime next week.
Kartik is referring to the APR 8, 2024 episode, entitled: "Knights Who Say NISA - Come On, Die Young". It's an absolutely heartbreaking listen..... : ((
How did the "NISA not paying the Refs" issue that blemished the end of last season finally conclude? The Refs were finally paid? Or had to accept a reduced amount? Since this new season is still being officiated by Refs, it must be that good will had not completely dissipated.....