Sydney (AFP)

The Australian national team will receive the same salary as their male counterparts, according to an agreement unveiled on Wednesday that is an important step towards more gender equality.

The stars of the Australian women's Matildas, like Sam Kerr and Ellie Carpenter, will pocket the same money as the stars of the Socceroos, Aaron Mooy and Mat Ryan, under this contract announced by the Australian Football Federation. football (FFA).

Just like them, they will make their trips abroad in business class.

"Football is everybody's game and this new collective agreement is a step towards adopting the values ​​of equality, integration and equal opportunities," said Chris Nikou, President of FFA .

Under this agreement signed for four years, the Socceroos and Matildas will receive 24% of the revenue collected by the two national teams.

On this amount, the players have committed to donate 5% to the national youth teams.

In addition, the share of the winnings of the players managing to qualify for a World Cup will increase from 30 to 40%.

Matilda midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight says the agreement shows "respect" for women: "As a footballer, it's a bit of what we've always dreamed of," she said. declared.

This agreement comes after the signing, a few months ago, of an agreement that provides that Australian female footballers will receive the same minimum wage as their male counterparts.

This is the "Socceroos' choice to share revenue," said FFA General Manager David Gallop.

Australian national team captain Mark Milligan said the women got "what they deserve".

The general manager of Australian professional footballers, John Didulica, called the agreement a "unique" contract in the world of football.

"We believe that it will serve as an example for all federations and all players, both men and women, and will allow them to take advantage of the incredible social and commercial opportunity that women's football, in particular, represents." he declares.

Australia has emerged as a champion of gender equality in sport. Netball and cricket players have also achieved better wages in recent years.

© 2019 AFP