Thanks for the comment. My understanding is that the 10% is a standard fee, however, Cooper is under contract. If he is requesting the transfer (and thus to break his contract), I believe MLS can demand consideration from him (and the new club) in order to tear up the old contract.
This 10% issue has been thrust to the fore, with the recent comments of Cooper’s Dad, so it would not be surprising if this issue becomes part of the ongoing CBA negotiations.

Another Website has reported on the recent transfer of Kenny Cooper from Dallas to 1860 Munich. Quoting sources, the Website reported that the deal got done but only after Cooper agreed to MLS’s demand that he “sign over” his FIFA mandated 10% of the transfer fee back to the League. It also reported that an earlier transfer deal with Rosenberg was “nixed” because Cooper did not agree to give his 10% fee back to the MLS as a condition of the deal.

Are you familar with such a practice that has been attributed to the MLS? It seems quite unfair to MLS players with opportunities abroad and a restraint of trade. I have heard that MLS players work under a collective bargaining agreement and can’t believe this type of practice would be allowed under the union contract. Have you heard of this 10% of the transfer fee “sign back” practice by MLS? Can you confirm that FIFA mandates that 10% of the fee goes to the player? According to the Website, Cooper was going to be a free agent at the end of the season.

Thanks for any information you can provide me on this.