US Soccer Federation settled the lawsuit brought forward by women's soccer players who claimed they were being paid inequitably. According to the players, this pay gap was the result of gender discrimination. The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for persons with similar skill and experience. This law also applies female soccer players.
U.S. Soccer Federation filed a lawsuit against women's team soccer
Three years ago, the U.S. Women's National Team filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation over pay disparities. The players filed a lawsuit against the U.S. soccer Federation accusing it of discrimination and giving lip service equality while offering higher wages to their male counterparts. 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, resigned amid claims of sexual harassment, and gender discrimination, the lawsuit was brought. He had made comments about male and feminine players' skill levels, suggesting that male players were more skilled. Cordeiro's remarks were a "slap in your face" by Cone, an ex-USWNT player.
Case dismissed in May 2020
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 case was remanded to the court for any appropriate relief. The district is currently considering appealing against the decision.
Players claim gender discrimination causes the pay gap
The United States has a number of women's soccer players who claim that the pay gap they have is caused by gender discrimination. They filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that their pay was less than that of their male counterparts. In May 2020, however, the court dismissed them. 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.
In the United States, the pay gap has increased 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. The lawsuit stated that women's soccer players would be paid approximately 38% less per hour than their male counterparts. This lawsuit has started a conversation about gender discrimination and 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, which alleged institutionalized gender-discrimination by the USSF, focused on equal wages and 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 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.