US Soccer Say That Women Shouldn't Be Paid the Same as Men Because They’re Less Skilled

Gender inequality is rife in the sporting industry, particularly when it comes to soccer. Often, female soccer players aren’t taken as seriously as their male counterparts and are paid significantly less, despite playing the exact same sport.

You’d think that by now, in 2019, more would have been done to combat this, but sexism in sport is still a huge issue. You only have to look back to earlier this year when the US women’s team sued governing body, US Soccer, alleging gender discrimination in earnings and working conditions – which hugely propelled pay disparity between the professional men’s and women’s team into the mainstream spotlight.

And the drama surrounding the lawsuit continues after some comments were made.

Also, keep scrolling to see what other teams are leading by example and putting the US to shame…

According to Reuters, figures from the Women’s Sports Foundation show that by age fourteen, girls drop out of sports at two times the rate of boys, with the lack of opportunities and access to equipment, social stigma, and safety and transportation cited as key reasons. And who’s to blame them? The figures are dire, to say the least, and what motivation is there when sport, especially soccer, is deemed a man’s world?

But, the truth is, more people than ever are watching, and supporting women’s soccer.

Last year’s women’s World Cup in France was hailed by soccer’s world governing body as the best yet and boasted a record billion TV viewers.

More and more sportswomen appear to be taking a stand against gender discrimination in sport.

And 4 years earlier, the Australian women’s team canceled a sell-out tour of the US following a dispute with the FFA over their pay, which the players said was so low it was “illegal.”

The Matildas, who currently rank 8th in the world, have secured a history-making equal pay deal.

The deal between the men’s and women’s national teams intends to “close the gap” between the region’s 2 teams – the Matildas and the men’s team, the Socceroos. Historically, the Socceroos have been paid more than the Matildas and earned a larger share of commercial revenues, so this is huge news for women in sport.

So, how does the deal work and what exactly does it mean for women in the sport?

Well, firstly, the Football Federation Australia (FFA) say the groundbreaking 4-year deal means the top male and female players will be on the same pay scale. “This is a massive step taken to close the gender pay gap between the Socceroos and the Matildas,” explained FFA chief executive, David Gallop.

Their share will increase from 30% to 40% and will increase to 50% if they progress to the knockout stage.

And both teams will receive the same cut of commercial revenue – like advertising, for example.

The Matildas are additionally set to receive identical training conditions and other entitlements – such as business class air travel – which are currently given to the Socceroos, Huffpost reports.

This means that women playing for the national team are supported during pregnancy and upon their return afterward.

But, the new agreement, which has been finialized doesn’t necessarily mean the teams will be paid the exact same amount.

It only ensures that they get equal revenues.

Either way, it’s still a huge game-changer in the sport.

According to the Guardian, Matildas defender, Alanna Kennedy, said collaboration between the two teams had been a big part of the deal negotiations. “For us as females, it’s always good when you’re appreciated and they show the support,” she explained to News Corp Australia. “We’re hoping [it is finalized] by the end of the week. If we were to get it across the line it’s exciting and a huge step forward for us.”

“Any move like this for equal pay – and for such a prominent team as the Matildas – is a real boost in the arm to show that times are changing and women’s sport is being seriously valued,” explained Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International Australia.

“It will encourage girls to potentially keep active during those teens years when they normally drop off,” Legena added.

“As a female footballer it’s what we’ve always dreamed of. We always wanted to be treated equally.” “The new CBA shows signs of respect — we are going to be completely included. Having these facilities that the men have been exposed to will set us up for success.”

While the 67 million dollar lawsuit against the federation continues, some recent comments made by the US Soccer’s lawyers have caused an uncomfortable stir throughout the world and for good reason too.

“The job of a [men’s national team player] carries more responsibility within US Soccer than the job of a [women’s national team] player.”

Apparently, the women’s team deserves to be paid less because the men’s team “requires a higher level of skill” to maintain.

The women have won the World Cup while the men failed to even qualify for the games back in 2018 so maybe when the men finally win the event, they might have half a leg to stand on. And if you want to re-live the glory days of women’s soccer, keep scrolling…