US Soccer Federation settled a lawsuit by women's players of soccer alleging they were paid differently. Players claim that the gender discrimination caused the pay gap. The Equal Pay Act requires equal pay for persons with similar skill and experience. This law applies to female soccer players.
U.S. Soccer Federation was sued by women's soccer team
The U.S. Women's National Team filed an action against the U.S. Soccer Federation, three years ago, over pay inequalities. The lawsuit was filed by the players against the U.S. Soccer Federation. They claimed the organization discriminated and offered lip service in equality, but gave their male counterparts a higher salary. In a May court filing, the Federation denied that women weren't being paid fair wages.
After Carlos Cordeiro, USSF president, quit amid accusations of harassment and discrimination, the lawsuit was filed. He had made remarks about the skill level of male and female players, implying that male players have a higher level of skill. Cone, a former USWNT player, called Cordeiro's comments a "slap in the face."
In May 2020, the case was dismissed
In May 2020, The United States Supreme Court ruled San Francisco Unified School district had violated Civil Rights Act of 1965 by failing English language instruction to English learners. The case was remanded by the Supreme Court for the necessary relief. The district is considering appealing 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 complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission claiming they were paid less than their male counterparts. Although the court dismissed the case in May 2020 the players appealed. The documentary "When We Value Women" that shows the discrimination faced by women in the workplace inspired their lawsuit.
In the United States, the pay gap has increased since 1999. In March 2019, 28 women's soccer stars filed a lawsuit against United States soccer federation alleging that the gap in pay 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 brought about a new discussion on gender discrimination in sports.
Settlement with USSF
A lawsuit was filed by 28 U.S. women's team soccer players. It was titled "Settlement in USSF in women’s Soccer Lawsuit." According to a U.S. Soccer Federation, it will be settled. The suit, which was filed by 28 members of the U.S. women's soccer team, titled "Settlement with USSF in women's soccer lawsuit," alleged institutionalized discrimination on behalf of the USSF. It also focused on equal pay as well as 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. While the federation argued that the women's contract was collectively bargained and that their salaries were the same as those for men, public outrage forced it to abandon that position. Meanwhile, women's soccer stars used their huge social media followings and popularity as weapons in their lawsuit.