The United States courts have dismissed the complaint from the women’s national team on Friday, which accused the U.S Federation of wage discrimination. They do not understand why they receive lower premiums than those of their men counterpart.
“We are shocked and disappointed with today’s decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay,” Molly Levinson, spokesperson for the players said.
“We have confidence in our record and are firm in our commitment to ensure that girls and women who practice this sport are not considered less important simply because of their gender.” Levinson added.
The judge compared the revenues of the two teams between 2015 and 2019. The players received 220,747 per game, for a total of $ 24.5 million. The men received $ 212,639 per encounter, for a total amount of $ 18.5 million. The players are under contract to the Federation, which guarantees 20 of them a salary of more than $ 100,000 a year.
Players, on the other hand, are paid by their clubs, in addition to what they receive for international matches. On arrival, their incomes are much higher. But the judge said that this mode of operation was the choice of players, and not discrimination on the part of the Federation.
“We will never stop fighting for EQUALITY. We are shocked and disappointed with today’s decision, but we will not give up our hard work for equal pay,” Megan Rapinoe, U.S women national team captain said.
The U.S women’s national team is the most successful team in the history of the Women’s World Cup, having won four titles. They beat the Netherlands 2-0 in the 2019 campaign.
This issue could continue on the political scene. Joe Biden, Donald Trump’s Democratic rival for the next presidential election, has threatened the U.S. federation to cut its subsidies if it does not solve this issue.
