NEW YORK — Major League Soccer could be headed to a work stoppage next month.

The sport's international union says management is threatening to lock out MLS players after the sport's five-year labor contract expires Jan. 31.

The international union, which includes MLS players, says the league's structure violates regulations of soccer's governing body. All MLS players sign with the league, not individual teams.

MLS president Mark Abbott says any discussion about a work stoppage is premature and unhelpful in working toward an agreement. Abbott adds that MLS complies with FIFA's rules.

The median salary for MLS players at the start of last season was $88,000.