The US Soccer Federation settled a lawsuit filed by women's soccer players claiming that they were paid unequally. Players claim that the gender discrimination caused the pay gap. The Equal Pay Act mandates equal pay for those with similar skills and experience. This law applies to female soccer players.
U.S. Soccer Federation sued women's soccer team
Three years ago, the U.S. Women's National Team filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation over pay disparities. The players filed a lawsuit against the U.S. soccer Federation accusing it of discrimination and giving lip service equality while offering higher wages to their male counterparts. In May, however, the federation filed a response to the lawsuit in court. It denied that the women were not getting fair pay.
The suit was filed after Carlos Cordeiro (USSF president) resigned amid allegations that he had been subject to sexual harassment and discrimination. He had made remarks about the skill level of male and female players, implying that male players have a higher level of skill. Cordeiro's remarks were a "slap in your face" by Cone, an ex-USWNT player.
Case was dismissed in May 2020
In May 2020, the United States Supreme Court ruled that San Francisco Unified School District had violated the Civil Rights Act of 64 by failing to offer special English language programs for English language learners. The case was remanded for the appropriate relief. The district is currently considering whether to appeal the decision.
Players claim the gender discrimination is responsible for the pay gap
The United States has a number of women's soccer players who claim that the pay gap they have is caused by gender discrimination. They filed a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming they were paid less than their male counterparts. In May 2020, the court dismissed the complaint. However, the players appealed. Their lawsuit was inspired by a documentary film, "When We Value Women," which shows the disparities women face in the workplace.
In the United States, the pay gap has increased since 1999. 28 women soccer players filed a lawsuit in March 2019 against the United States soccer Federation alleging that the pay disparity is caused by gender discrimination. The lawsuit claims that the female players would be paid 38% less than their male counterparts. This lawsuit has triggered a new conversation on gender discrimination in sports.
Settlement with USSF
According to a recent U.S. Soccer Federation announcement, a lawsuit brought by 28 women from the U.S. women’s soccer team was settled. The lawsuit, which alleged institutionalized gender-discrimination by the USSF, focused on equal wages and working conditions.
As the women's soccer lawsuit unfolded, the American public took sides, citing the pay inequality in women's soccer. The federation claimed that women's contracts were collectively bargained. They also claimed that their salaries were equal to men's, but public outrage forced it into abandoning that position. The lawsuit was fought by women's soccer players who used their social media followings and their popularity to their advantage.