The U.S. Soccer Federation has reached an agreement to settle a case involving women's soccer. This is in the meantime of the ratification by the USWNT players' union of a new collective arbitration agreement. A group of female players filed the lawsuit against the league, claiming that it discriminates against them. The settlement is contingent on the USWNT players' union ratifying the new collective bargainING agreement. This agreement will help to stabilize women's football in the United States.
U.S. Soccer settles with women's soccer players
After their lawsuit was settled outside of court, the USSF has reached an agreement with women's football players. Carlos Cordeiro the USSF president, made the remarks about the differences in skill among men and women. Cordeiro claimed that men are more skilled than women, but that is false. After the allegations were made, Cordeiro resigned.
The settlement is $22 million and will be distributed to 28 players on the USWNT. The $2 million remainder will go to a women’s soccer charity. This settlement ends litigation that was filed in 2019 against USSF. It involved allegations of gender discrimination at the United States Soccer Federation. The women's football team claimed that they received less money than their male counterparts and that they were subject to more dangerous playing conditions.
The women's team has enjoyed the same popularity as their male counterparts. They have combined 2.1million Instagram followers. Despite all the negative press surrounding U.S. Soccer Settlement, the women’s soccer team remains one the most loved sports in the United States.
Settlement contingent on the acceptance of the new collective bargaining agreements by USWNT Players Association
The United States Soccer Federation was able to reach a tentative deal with the USWNT Players Association. However, this settlement is subject to the ratification or modification of a collective bargaining agreement. The settlement is a major victory for gender equality in soccer. The parties have agreed on extending the current CBA to March 31, at which time they will seek final approval.
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the USWNT players' union will guarantee that both teams will have equal pay and working conditions in December 2020. Both the women's and men's teams will receive equal pay through pay-to play systems.
A player association representing the USWNT filed in March 2016 a complaint with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming that the USWNT was discriminatory. US Soccer announced in November, that it had offered players the same contracts that the men's team and that it would negotiate despite the dismissal. Both sides reached an agreement which will guarantee equal pay for players, and make the sport more accessible to women in America.
Impact of settlement on women's soccer in the future
A federal judge threw out many aspects the lawsuit brought by the USWNT against U.S. Football. It's unclear whether the settlement will affect the future of women's soccer in the United States. But it does indicate that the USWNT will be paid equally for World Cup wins and for other competitive events. The USWNT's collective bargaining agreement must be approved by the District Court.
It has been a win for women's soccer that the players' collective bargaining agreements have been reached. It means that women's teams will now earn a significant increase in base pay, as well as improved match bonuses. Some players may see this as doubling their income. Aside from the higher salaries, players will be able now to have control over their marketing and licensing rights.
The settlement provides support for future generations. The settlement will allow female players to enjoy the same travel and benefits as their male counterparts. It will also restore trust between federations and players. This will be a first step towards the long term goal of improving the future women's soccer.