A lawsuit brought by female soccer players alleging unequal pay was settled by the US Soccer Federation. The players claimed that the pay gap was caused by gender discrimination. The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for persons with similar skill 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 alleged that the U.S. Soccer Federation discriminated against them and paid lip service to equality, while paying their male counterparts higher salaries. However, the federation responded to the complaint in a court filing in May, denying that the women were not being paid fairly.
After Carlos Cordeiro, USSF president, quit amid accusations of harassment and discrimination, the lawsuit was filed. He had made comments about male and feminine players' skill levels, suggesting that male players were more skilled. Cordeiro's comments were "slap in their faces," Cone, a former USWNT participant, said.
In May 2020, case was dismissed
In May 2020, the United States Supreme Court found that San Francisco Unified Schools District had violated Civil Rights Act 1964 by failing English language learning opportunities for English-speaking students. The ruling remanded the case for 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 at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaining that they are paid less than their male counterparts. Although the court dismissed the case in May 2020 the players appealed. Their lawsuit was inspired from a documentary called "When We Value Women", that shows the differences women face at work.
In the United States, the pay gap has increased since 1999. In March 2019, 28 female soccer players filed a lawsuit against United States Soccer Federation claiming that the gender discrimination is the reason for the pay gap. According to the lawsuit, players on the women’s soccer team would receive 38% less than their male counterparts. This lawsuit has started a conversation about gender discrimination and sports.
Settlement with USSF
According to a U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) announcement, a lawsuit that was filed by 28 players of the U.S. female soccer team, titled "Settlement With USSF in women’s soccer lawsuit," has been settled. The suit, which was filed by 28 members of the U.S. women's soccer team, titled "Settlement with USSF in women's soccer lawsuit," alleged institutionalized discrimination on behalf of the USSF. It also focused on equal pay as well as 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.