United States: female footballers soon to be paid as much as men in selection

Europe 1 with AFP 3:36 p.m., February 22, 2022

The end of a long fight.

The US Soccer Federation has pledged to pay the women's national team at the same level as the men's team in an agreement with a group of players, including star Megan Rapinoe.

"US Soccer is committed to paying equal pay from now on for the women's and men's national teams in all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup," detail the terms of the agreement between the two parts.

Court case still ongoing 

Twenty-eight players of the United States women's national team had filed a class action lawsuit against the discriminatory policy of the United States Soccer Federation.

"When we win, everyone wins," American soccer star Megan Rapinoe tweeted after the deal was announced.

When we win, everyone wins!

— Megan Rapinoe (@mPinoe) February 22, 2022

The agreement should put an end to the lawsuits initiated by this group of players and concerns a total of 24 million dollars, of which 22 million distributed according to a mode proposed by the players of the women's national team.

"Obviously we can't go back and erase the injustices we've faced, but it shows that it can never happen again," Megan Rapinoe also said on ABC, hailing "a great day".

"A monumental step to feel respected"

Speaking to ABC, forward Alex Morgan said the deal was a win for all parties.

"It's a monumental step forward that makes us feel valued, respected, and repairs our relationship with US Soccer," said the 190-cap player.

"I don't just see this as a win for our team or for women's sport, but for women in general," Morgan said.

The application of the terms of the agreement will depend on the ratification of a collective agreement between the players of the national team and the federation.

Once this collective agreement is ratified and the agreement approved by a court, the lawsuits will be extinguished.