5. MLS: Ruiz seeks salary max; MLS wants two more years
By Scott French
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Carlos Ruiz is seeking a significant pay raise, and Major League Soccer may be willing to accommodate him in exchange for a two-year extension of his loan agreement, according to the president of Guatemalan club Municipal.
German Villa, the top official from the Guatemala City club that owns Ruiz's rights, said there remained "gaps" between the sides, but that he thought a deal would be finalized within a week or so.
Villa, who was on hand for the Galaxy's scrimmage Friday against the U.S. under-17 team at the Home Depot Center, said Ruiz was seeking to be paid the league "maximum," and that MLS officials appeared willing to do so if Municipal was willing to add fifth and sixth years to the loan agreement, which expires following the 2005 season.
Municipal, Villa said, were open to the idea in exchange for "some benefit to our organization." The club would like to receive a larger fee for the added two years of the agreement.
Municipal also wants to make explicit, in the agreement and in Ruiz's contract, procedure to be followed if another club offers to purchase his contract. Ruiz had unsuccessful trials during the offseason with Wolves and Portsmouth.
Villa said he met Wednesday with MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidas, Los Angeles Galaxy general manager Doug Hamilton and Richard Motzkin, Ruiz's agent. Ruiz "at some point participated" in the meeting, Villa said.
The "maximum" salary permitted under MLS's salary cap is $280,000, although several players make more than that. Ruiz's current contract pays him $30,000 per season in base salary and an annual average of $50,000 including guaranteed bonuses, according to figures compiled by the MLS Players Association and reported independently by Soccer America.
The Galaxy began preparations for the 2004 season Feb. 2.
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