Equal pay dispute settled with U.S. women's soccer
After years of fighting for equal pay with their male counterparts, the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team settled its dispute with U.S. Soccer on Tuesday…
...The players hailing it as a landmark day for the sport.
The settlement will see $22 million distributed in a manner proposed by the players and approved by a district court.
An additional $2 million will be put in a fund to benefit players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer.
U.S. Soccer also committed to providing an equal rate of pay going forward for the women's and men's national teams in all exhibition games and tournaments, including the World Cup.
U.S. striker Megan Rapinoe – an outspoken advocate for gender equality and equal pay – tweeted: “When we win, everyone wins!”
The agreement ends a dispute dating back to 2016 when some players filed a federal wage discrimination complaint, arguing they were paid less than male players even though they generate more income for the United States Soccer Federation.
The quest for equal pay became a battle cry for their supporters. As the team won the World Cup for the fourth time in 2019 – fans could be heard chanting "equal pay."
On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Cone tweeted: “Proud of this historic moment and excited to move forward together with our players to grow soccer and advance opportunities for women and girls around the world.”
