A federal judge approved a partial settlement between players of the United States women’s national team and the football association over unequal working conditions.
The agreement paves the way for female footballers to appeal their equal pay claims.
R. Gary Klausner, United States District Judge for Central California, notified both parties of his approval of the settlement, which addressed labor conditions claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
These terms of employment include use of flights, choice of location, number of support staff and hotel accommodation.
“We are delighted that the equal working conditions for which USWNT players have fought for years have been approved,” spokeswoman Molly Levinson said in a statement.
“Ultimately, giving these athletes access to facilities, training, care and professional support is the necessary next step in the long and hard work of growing women’s football.”
Levinson noted that the players will now appeal the equal pay aspect of their lawsuit, which Judge Klausner had previously ruled in favor of the USSF.
“Now that this is over, we intend to appeal the equal pay decision, which does not take into account the fact that female players have received a lower salary than men doing the same work,” the statement read.
“As always, we are committed to our work to achieve the equal pay we legally deserve.”
In a statement following the decision, the USSF said it felt that the USWNT would proceed with the appeal, but that it was awaiting an out-of-court solution.
“US Soccer is 100% committed to equal pay. We have offered the USWNT the same compensation as our male players for all US Soccer controlled matches. Unfortunately, the USWNT has not accepted our offer or invitation.”
“Our request to meet is still standing, and we hope the USWNT will accept our invitation very soon,” he said.