Jill Ellis supports her players in lawsuit against U.S. Soccer
The U.S. women's national team coach supports her players in their claim against the U.S. Soccer Federation for gender discrimination even though she's in a tough spot.
Jill Ellis, the U.S. Women's National team coach, supports her players in the gender discrimination lawsuit filed on Friday against the U.S. Soccer Federation by 28 members of the squad.
Ellis told reporters, "I'm definitely in support," adding that the team called her before announcing the filing of the lawsuit but didn't discuss with her if they had to present it or not.
Coach Ellis, is employed by the federation which is why she's in a unique position right in the middle of her team and the body subject of the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges they received a lower payment than the USMNT even though their performance was better and had inferior conditions to play and train.
The women's national team has three world titles and four Olympic gold medals. They are one of the favorite teams to conquer the World Cup that starts in June.
The debate on gender equality revived after the claim from the USWNT and has the support of sport's biggest stars such as 23rd time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.