Share

US women's football team: mediation over in equal pay bid

Los Angeles - US women's football players reached an impasse Wednesday in mediation with the US Soccer Federation in their dispute over equal pay with the American men's squad.

Molly Levinson, a spokesperson for the US women's players, said the group will "eagerly look forward to a jury trial."

The Americans captured their second consecutive Women's World Cup title last month in France, chants of "Equal Pay" ringing in the air after their victory in the championship game.

In March, 28 US players filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer. They agreed to mediation after the Women's World Cup.

"We entered this week's mediation with representatives of USSF full of hope," Levinson said in a statement. "Today we must conclude these meetings sorely disappointed in the federation's determination to perpetuate fundamentally discriminatory workplace conditions and behavior.

"It is clear that USSF, including its board of directors and president Carlos Cordeiro, fully intend to continue to compensate women players less than men. They will not succeed.

"We want all of our fans, sponsors, peers around the world and women everywhere to know we are undaunted and will eagerly look forward to a jury trial.

"The world looks to the US to lead and the players would like to tell the world that the USSF pays women equally to men. The goal is equal pay."

A US Soccer spokesman said the group is "continuing to work to find a resolution" to the dispute.

US women seemed to leave open the option for more discussion in an open letter earlier this week.

"While we are prepared to take our equal pay fight through a trial if necessary, we believe that both sides would benefit from an equal pay and equal working conditions settlement now," it said in part.

Cordeiro said last month US Soccer had compensated women more than men over the past decade but women said the figures were misleading, noting they included salaries for National Women's Soccer League teams.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1142 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1327 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2026 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE