The U.S. Soccer Federation has agreed to settle a women's soccer lawsuit, pending the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with the USWNT players' union. A group representing female soccer players filed the suit against the league. The settlement is contingent upon the ratification by the USWNT players union of a new collective bargainING arrangement. This will help stabilize women soccer in the United States.
U.S. soccer settles with women’s soccer players
After their lawsuit was resolved out of court, USSF has now reached a settlement agreement with women's players. The lawsuit was brought about by comments made by Carlos Cordeiro, the president of the USSF, about the differences in skill between men and women. Cordeiro claimed that men had more skills than women. This was incorrect. Cordeiro resigned from his position after the allegations were made public.
The settlement, which is $22million, will be distributed among 28 USWNT players. The $2 million remaining will be donated to a women's soccer charity. This settlement is the result of litigation that was filed against USSF in 2019. It was based on allegations that the USSF discriminates against women. The women's soccer team claimed that they were less well paid than men and had to play in more dangerous conditions.
The women's team has enjoyed the same popularity as their male counterparts. Their combined Instagram followers are 2.1 million. Despite negative press surrounding U.S. Soccer settlements, the women's football team remains one of most popular in the United States.
Settlement contingent on the ratification a new collective bargaining agreement of USWNT players
The United States Soccer Federation, the USWNT Players Association and the United States Soccer Federation came to a tentative settlement. This agreement is contingent on the ratification by the new collective bargaining agreements. The settlement is a major win in favor of gender equality. The parties have agreed to extend the current CBA through March 31, at which point the parties will seek final approval of the settlement.
The new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the USWNT players' union will guarantee that both teams will have equal pay and working conditions in December 2020. Both the women's and men's teams will receive equal pay through pay-to play systems.
A USWNT players association filed a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that the USWNT was unfairly treated. Despite the dismissal of the complaint, US Soccer indicated that it was willing to negotiate and announced in November that it had offered players the same contracts as the men's team. Both sides came to an agreement that would ensure equal pay for all players and improve the game of soccer for women in America.
Impact of settlement on women's soccer in the future
A federal judge has thrown out many aspects of the lawsuit that the USWNT players brought against U.S. Soccer. The settlement won't have any impact on the future American women's soccer. The settlement does show that the USWNT is paid equally for World Cup victories and other competitive events. District courts will need to approve the new collective bargaining agreement of the USWNT.
The collective bargaining agreement between players and managers has been a win-win situation for women's football. This agreement will result in a significant increase for women's soccer teams in base pay and improved match bonuses. This could potentially double the income for some players. Players will have greater control over licensing and marketing rights, in addition to their increased salaries.
The settlement provides support for future generations. For instance, the settlement will make it possible for female players to receive the same benefits and travel benefits as men. It will also strengthen the trust between players, federations, and each other. This will be the first step in the long-term goal for improving women's soccer.