A federal judge has approved a partial settlement between the players of the United States women’s national team and the Football Federation regarding unequal working conditions.
The agreement paves the way for female footballers to appeal their demands for equal pay.
R. Gary Klausner, U.S. District Judge for Central California, notified both sides of the approval of the agreement, which focused on working conditions claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
These working conditions included the use of flights, the selection of the location, the number of support staff and the accommodation at the hotel.
“We are pleased that the equal working conditions for which USWNT players have fought for several years have been approved,” the player’s spokeswoman, Molly Levinson, said in a statement.
“Ultimately, giving these athletes access to facilities, training, care and professional support is the next necessary step in the long and hard work to develop women’s football.”
Levinson noted that the players will now appeal to the equal pay aspect of the trial, in which Judge Klausner had previously ruled in favor of the USSF.
“Now, after we return, we intend to appeal the decision on equal pay, which does not take into account the fact that the players received a lower salary than men who do the same work,” the statement said.
“We are committed as always to our work to get the equal pay we legally deserve.”
In a statement following the decision, the USSF said it felt that the USWNT would continue with the appeal, but that it was awaiting an out-of-court ruling.
“US Soccer is 100% committed to pay equally. We have offered USWNT the same compensation to our male players for all US Soccer-controlled matches. Unfortunately, USWNT has not accepted our offer or invitation.”
“Our request to meet is still valid and we hope that the USWNT will accept our invitation very soon,” he said.