US Soccer Federation settled the lawsuit brought forward by women's soccer players who claimed they were being paid inequitably. Players claim that the gender discrimination caused the pay gap. Equal Pay Act provides equal pay for persons of similar skill and experience. This law also applies for female soccer players.
Women's soccer team filed lawsuit against U.S. Soccer Federation
The U.S. Women's National Team brought a lawsuit against U.S. Soccer Federation three years ago over disparities in pay. 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. In a May court filing, the Federation denied that women weren't being paid fair wages.
After Carlos Cordeiro, USSF President, resigned amid claims of sexual harassment, and gender discrimination, the lawsuit was brought. Cordeiro had made comments about the skill levels of male and female players, suggesting that male players are more skilled. Cordeiro's comments were "slap in their faces," Cone, a former USWNT participant, said.
In May 2020, the case was dismissed
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 ruling remanded the case for appropriate relief. The district is considering appealing the decision.
Players claim that the pay gap is caused by gender discrimination
Women's soccer players in the United States are claiming that their pay gap is due to gender discrimination. They filed a complaint with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging that they were paid less as men. Although the court dismissed the case in May 2020 the players appealed. Their lawsuit was inspired and motivated by "When We Value Women", a documentary that shows the inequalities faced by women at work.
The United States has had a higher pay gap since 1999. In March of 2019, 28 women's soccer players filed a lawsuit against the United States soccer federation claiming that the pay gap is due to gender discrimination. According to the lawsuit, players on the women’s soccer team would receive 38% less than their male counterparts. This lawsuit has triggered a new conversation on gender discrimination in sports.
Settlement with USSF
A lawsuit filed by 28 members of the U.S. women's soccer team, titled "Settlement with USSF in women's soccer lawsuit," will be settled, according to a recent announcement by the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). 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 the contract for women was collectively bargained, and that their salaries were equal to those of men. However, the public outrage forced them to change their position. The lawsuit was fought by women's soccer players who used their social media followings and their popularity to their advantage.