Members of the United States Women’s National Team have filed a gender discrimination suit against the U.S. Soccer Federation, the New York Times reported Friday.
The suit, filed by all 28 players on the defending world championship team, alleges the sanctioning body has for years engaged in “institutionalized gender discrimination," affecting everything from their pay, training and travel to medical treatment.
U.S. Soccer did not have an immediate response when contacted by the Times.
The players have requested class action status for the suit, meaning that dozens of former USWNT members could be part of any potential settlement.
USWNT players have long complained of unfair treatment by the sanctioning body, especially compared to players on the men's national team. The players have pointed out they earn less than their men's counterparts, despite playing more games. They also have complained about disparities in medical treatment, travel accommodations and other issues.
Five USWNT players filed a wage discrimination complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2016. A lack of progress on that suit, however, led the players to seek permission from the EEOC to file a suit.
Players are seeking back pay and damages in the suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. However, the Times points out that some compensation issues are difficult to compare. For example, U.S. men's players do receive larger match bonuses, but are not paid if they don't make the national team; women's players receive smaller bonuses but get guaranteed salaries.
It's worth noting the suit was filed on International Women's Day.
