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. The suit was brought by players who claim that the league discriminates against women players. 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 out-of-court, the USSF settled with women's soccer stars. Carlos Cordeiro, USSF's president, commented on the differences in skill between women & men. This led to the lawsuit. Cordeiro stated that women have more skill than men, which was false. After the allegations were made public, Cordeiro quit his job.
The settlement amount is $22,000,000 and will be distributed between 28 USWNT players. The $2 million remaining will be donated to a women's soccer charity. This settlement is the result of litigation that was filed against USSF in 2019. It was based on allegations that the USSF discriminates against women. The women's team argued that they were underpaid in comparison to men and were subjected to more dangerous playing conditions.
The women's team is just as popular than their male counterparts. They have combined 2.1million Instagram followers. Despite negative press surrounding U.S. Soccer settlements, the women's football team remains one of most popular in the United States.
Settlement contingent on the ratification a new collective bargaining agreement of USWNT players
The United States Soccer Federation, the USWNT Players Association and the United States Soccer Federation came to a tentative settlement. This agreement is contingent on the ratification by the new collective bargaining agreements. The settlement is a major win in favor of gender equality. Both parties have reached an agreement to extend the current CBA until March 31. At that point, the parties will seek final approval for the settlement.
The U.S. Soccer Federation's new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), will ensure that both sides will enjoy equal working conditions and pay in December 2020. Both the women's and men's teams will receive equal pay through pay-to play systems.
A USWNT player association filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in March 2016 claiming that the USWNT was unfairly discriminated. US Soccer was willing to negotiate and stated in November that players were offered contracts similar to those for the men's teams. 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 future of women's soccer
A federal judge threw out many aspects the lawsuit brought by the USWNT against U.S. Football. It's not clear whether the settlement will affect women's football 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 latest collective bargaining deal will need to be approved in court.
Women's soccer has won with the players' collective bargaining arrangement. It means that women's teams will now earn a significant increase in base pay, as well as improved match bonuses. Some players could see their income doubled by this change. The players will now have the ability to control their licensing and marketing rights in addition to increased salaries.
The settlement will also support future generations. For example, settlements will allow female players to be eligible for the same benefits as men and provide travel benefits. It will also rebuild trust between players' federations. This will be the first step in the long-term goal for improving women's soccer.