US Soccer Federation settled a lawsuit brought by women soccer players alleging that they were not paid equal wages. Players claim that the gender discrimination caused the pay gap. The Equal Pay Act stipulates equal pay for people with the same skill and experience. This law is also applicable to female soccer players.
U.S. Soccer Federation filed a lawsuit against women's team soccer
Three years ago, the U.S. Women's National Team filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation over pay disparities. The lawsuit was filed by the players against the U.S. Soccer Federation. They claimed the organization discriminated and offered lip service in equality, but gave their male counterparts a higher salary. However, the federation responded to the complaint in a court filing in May, denying that the women were not being paid fairly.
The lawsuit was brought after Carlos Cordeiro - the USSF president - resigned amid sexual harassment allegations and gender discrimination. Cordeiro had made comments about the skill levels of male and female players, suggesting that male players are more skilled. Cordeiro's remarks were called a "slap on the face" by Cone.
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 to the court for any appropriate relief. The district is currently considering whether or not to appeal the decision.
Players claim pay gap is due to gender discrimination
United States women's soccer players claim their gender discrimination is the reason for their pay gap. They have filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, claiming that they were paid less than their male counterparts. In May 2020, however, the court dismissed them. The players appealed. Their lawsuit was inspired by a documentary film, "When We Value Women," which shows the disparities women face in the workplace.
The United States has had a higher pay gap 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 states that players on the women's team would be paid about 38% less than their male counterparts. This lawsuit has triggered a new conversation on gender discrimination in sports.
Settlement with USSF
A lawsuit was filed by 28 U.S. women's team soccer players. It was titled "Settlement in USSF in women’s Soccer Lawsuit." According to a U.S. Soccer Federation, it will be settled. The lawsuit claimed that the USSF institutionalized gender discrimination. It focused on equal work conditions and pay.
The American public took sides in the lawsuit against women's soccer, citing pay inequalities in women's football. 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.