The US soccer players have achieved their big goal. From now on, the association pays men and women equally. For the world champions around superstar Megan Rapinoe it is the temporary end of a long journey.
US women’s soccer is celebrating a historic day: After years of fighting, the US Soccer Association will now give the soccer players equal pay – “Equal Pay” has become a reality and is paying off in hard cash. “If we win, everyone wins!” This is “a wonderful day,” tweeted US superstar Megan Rapinoe.
The compromise package is said to be worth 24 million dollars, 22 million are to be paid out to the players, the rest goes into a fund that supports them after their careers and promotes women’s and girls’ football.
Perseverance prevailed
Rapinoe and her fellow campaigners had been fighting for equal pay since 2019. Many didn’t think it was possible, but the tenacity of the strong US champions prevailed.
“We have settled our differences and proudly stand together to bring more justice to football,” said the two national teams in a joint statement: “Reaching this day was not easy. We recognize the legacy of those women who fought for it and dedicate this moment to them.”
The income gap between players is thus closed, and tournament bonuses, for example for the World Cup, are also adjusted. However, the agreement still has to be signed and approved by a court.
Long struggle for equal treatment
“It’s a great day. I think that’s the moment when we’re going to say later that US Soccer has changed for the better,” Rapinoe said on the TV show Good Morning America.
Behind her lies a long, tough fight for equal treatment. During a visit to the White House with US President Joe Biden almost a year ago, Rapinoe once again underlined her insistence on “equal pay” in front of a large audience. “I know there are millions of people in the world who are marginalized because of their gender and are experiencing the same thing in their jobs,” Rapinoe said alongside Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and fellow cast member Margaret Purce. “And me and my teammates are there for them.”
The 36-year-old star player had put herself at the forefront of the movement, repeatedly underpinning her convictions and not allowing herself to be silenced. The two-time world champion and Olympic champion proved her famous staying power in her fight for equal pay.
In May 2020 there was another setback in court. “I was shocked by the verdict and the statement,” Rapinoe said at the time, “we will definitely appeal and move on.” With success, on February 22, 2022, she and her fellow campaigners finally reached their goal.