U.S. Soccer refers to the lawsuit by the women's national team
Carlos Cordeiro, president of the United States Soccer Federation issues a statement regarding the lawsuit filed by all the 28 members of the USWNT.
The U.S. Soccer president, Carlos Cordeiro issued an open letter through his social networks in which states that the United States Soccer Federation was surprised by the federal class-action lawsuit filed by the U.S. women's national team last Friday.
All 28 members of the USWNT complaint that U.S. Soccer violated the Equal Pay Act and Civil Rights Act by paying the women less than the men's team.
However, in the letter Cordeiro declares in response to the gender-based discrimination accusations: “Specifically, in April of 2017, we agreed to a fair and equitable collective bargaining agreement with the Women’s National Team, which included a contract structure that the players specifically requested to provide them with a guaranteed salary and benefits. At no point since that time have players raised concerns about the CBA itself, and we continue to work with them in good faith."
The suit also refers that the women's team have played more games while being paid less per game and overall than the MNT even though the USWNT has more success on the field, which brought more revenue to U.S. Soccer as the women's team won the 2015 World Cup and they didn't see more money as a result.
But USSF president mentions that the federation increased its investment in the women's game in recent years, working in close partnership with the players "to ensure they have everything they need to perform at the highest level."
Cordeiro also states that spoke to some of the veteran players and that the initial conversation was open, cordial and professional, and will continue working to resolve this matter. The U.S. Soccer seeks more meeting with the players so both parties can learn about their objectives and listen each other to reach an agreement that will serve in the best interests of the USWNT as the U.S. Soccer Federation.
Since the lawsuit by the Women's National Team was filed, athletes have thrown their support behind them, while the team continues to prepare for the 2019 World Cup in France that is three months away.