The team had sued the American Football Association for SEK 650 million for unequal wages compared to the men. Immediately after the verdict of Federal Court Judge R Gary Klausner, star Megan Rapinoe told her to appeal it.

"We will never stop fighting for equality," Rapinoe tweeted after the rash and was supported by probable Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

However, the court approved a couple of points in the women's lawsuit, which apply to equal treatment in travel, training, medical assistance and accommodation. That dispute would reach court on June 16, but players want to postpone it for at least a year until 2021.

New female chairman

The players want more time for settlement negotiations with the new chairman, working on a nonprofit basis, for the United States Football Association, Cindy Parlow Cone, dual Olympic champion about 20 years ago. Parlow Cone was elected in February. In addition, a collective agreement is expected to expire on December 31, 2021.

- Equal pay means paying female players as much as the men to win a match, says Molly Levinson, spokesperson for the players.