US Soccer Federation settled a lawsuit brought by women soccer players alleging that they were not paid equal wages. According to the players, the reason for the pay gap is gender discrimination. The Equal Pay Act mandates equal pay for those with similar skills and experience. This law also applies for female soccer players.
U.S. Soccer Federation was sued by women's soccer team
The U.S. Women's National Team filed suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation in 2005 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. In May, however, the federation filed a response to the lawsuit in court. It denied that the women were not getting fair pay.
After Carlos Cordeiro, USSF President, resigned amid claims of sexual harassment, and gender discrimination, the lawsuit was brought. He had made remarks about the skill level of male and female players, implying that male players have a higher level of skill. Cordeiro's remarks were called a "slap on the face" by Cone.
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 whether to appeal the decision.
Players claim gender discrimination causes the pay gap
United States women's soccer players claim their gender discrimination is the reason for their pay gap. They filed a complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming they were paid less than their male counterparts. In May 2020, however, the court dismissed them. The players appealed. Their lawsuit was inspired from a documentary called "When We Value Women", that shows the differences women face at work.
Since 1999, the US has seen a rise in the pay gap. The United States soccer federation was sued by 28 female soccer players in March 2019. They claim that the pay gap is caused by 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
According to a U.S. Soccer Federation's recent announcement, a suit filed by 28 female players of the U.S. soccer team, titled “Settlement with USSF women's football lawsuit,” will be settled. The lawsuit alleged institutionalized gender discrimination on the part of the USSF, and focused on equal pay and working conditions.
The American public was divided as they cited inequalities in women’s soccer pay during the course of the women’s soccer lawsuit. The federation maintained that the women's contract had been collectively bargained and that they were paid the same amount as men. But public outrage forced the organization to abandon this position. The lawsuit was fought by women's soccer players who used their social media followings and their popularity to their advantage.