Bosnich is a staunch advocate of player rights, including abolishing the salary cap. But he said the Wanderers' decision would affect the future of Australian soccer. "They talk about solidarity, but it's not. It's a little bit embarrassing and if they don't go and play, FIFA will come done like a ton of bricks on the Asian confederation. The Asian confederation will come down like a ton of bricks on the FFA and there's potential of a ban or a fine or both. "They're not thinking about the future generations. If they had the legal rights, it would be a different story, but they don't. They've got to put it behind them and play in this wonderful tournament. Mark it for next time they negotiate to go full spectrum." Bosnich worked to save the Socceroos' Confederation Cup campaign in 1997 as most of the team threatened to boycott. The players did not train in Riyadh in protest and were prepared to withdraw from the tournament on principle.

"I've never threatened to boycott, I was involved in 1997 and that left a bitter taste in my mouth," Bosnich said. "I did my best with the then chairman David Hill to try to get a resolution with Alex Tobin, who was leading the rest of the players. Ned Zelic and Robbie Slater were with me in that we were not not going to play. "FIFA officials said to me if we didn't play we'd be banned for a minimum of 10 years. If we didn't play, forget about the 2006 World Cup. Timing is everything and so is the way you do it." Bosnich was in Canberra on Tuesday as part of his role as an Asian Cup ambassador. The Wanderers have publicly revealed a progressive payment offer to players that would give the squad their request of a 50 per cent share of the takings, but only if they beat Real Madrid and win the title.

The club wants to put profits from the tournament to fund infrastructure projects such as a youth academy, new training centre and offices as well as other community programs. A win against Cruz Azul would 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 prizemoney for reaching the final. "It's really, really sad," Bosnich said. "The timing is poor. The bottom line is I'm all for player rights - the abolition of the salary cap, transfer fees. But in my opinion this is completely the wrong way to go about it. The union should have had this in their agreement, but they didn't see it coming. The club has made a gesture of 10 per cent without kicking a ball. "If the players think it's too low, maybe they should give it to the local hospital at Westmead and then if they beat Cruz Azul they get a bigger percentage.

"I've been in the middle of it before, it's not nice. Relationships get fractured, it divides people and that's the last thing you need. I'm all for players' rights, but bonuses are there for incentives. You get them when you win, they're not just there to get."