Scotland women's team make legal challenge to SFA over pay

[BEARGER 1,829]

Could this lead to problems for Rangers and other with womens teams?
 

Scotland women's team make legal challenge to SFA over pay and conditions

By Chris McLaughlin and Jane LewisBBC Scotland

Last updated on 1 hour ago1 hour ago.From the section Women's Football

The players say their campaign is about parity with the men's national team

Scotland women's national football team are taking legal action against the Scottish FA in a fight over equal pay and conditions after talks broke down. 

The squad, led by captain Rachel Corsie, are now ready to take their case to an employment tribunal. 

The players consider there to be disparities between their treatment and that of their male counterparts. 

"This is about all professional footballers being treated equally," Aston Villa defender Corsie said. 

"After years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases abuse, we have a historic opportunity to advance equal pay and to promote equality for women and girls in football.

"This campaign is about parity, and we'll be seeking to engage with the Scottish Football Association, the fans, and everyone in Scotland's football community to deliver this long overdue change." 

Rachel Corsie says women's team not treated equally

The move comes after a landmark case won by the US women's national team earlier this year where they secured a pay-out of more than £17m. The Scottish FA has been approached for comment.

The Scottish women's national team want the SFA to match the actions of the likes of the Football Association of Ireland, which pays the same match appearance fee to its male and female players.

Corsie, 33, first represented the full Scotland team in March 2009 and has amassed 137 caps.

In April she and other members of her squad criticised the SFA on Twitter over its ticketing arrangements at Hampden, claiming only a portion of the national stadium would be open for the visit of Spain in a World Cup qualifier.

The SFA said it was "hugely disappointed by the post" and said: "The ticketing sales process used at Hampden Park is identical to most across Scottish football, with tickets sold in blocks, in line with ongoing demand."

The incident, which Corsie said brought to a head greater frustrations with the way Scottish women's football was organised, led to discussions taking place between Corsie and Ian Maxwell, the SFA chief executive.

Caroline Weir (left) and Erin Cuthbert are unhappy at the way commercial income is distributed between men's and women's football in Scotland

Scotland team-mates Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert are two other prominent players seeking what they view as a fairer share of funding from commercial deals. 

"For so many years we've felt an after-thought, and whilst we have seen growth it's come as a result of driving our own change," said Real Madrid's Weir, capped 93 times by Scotland.

"Payments from sponsorship deals overwhelmingly go to the men's game, and to male players. In our current society, this is one example of the outdated prejudice towards one group of players.

"If shared out equally, there would be a dramatic increase in funding for women's and girls' football at all levels that would be transformative." 

Chelsea's Cuthbert added: "This campaign must be the start of an irreversible turning point to forever change our national game, and the way women players are treated. 

"It's about advancing and achieving equality in Scottish football." 

'A fight for respect'

Chris McLaughlin, BBC Scotland sports news correspondent

This is a row that has been rumbling on for some time but this move gives an indication of how the talks have gone and the strength of feeling of those involved.

The women's national team have come a long way in the past decade, both in terms of results and profile. Given what has happened in other countries, and the United States in particular, this group now feel the time is right to make their point and stand up for what they believe in - the anger and frustration from senior players is clear. 

The Scottish FA has made moves towards equality in recent years, though. Combined commercial deals have been signed, more resources have gone towards overseas training camps and the national stadium is now the home of the women's team and not just the men's.

The headlines for the upcoming tribunal will be about equal pay but for a group who see themselves as female role models, this is a fight for respect.

[buster. 4,826]

Give em an inch..........and they want 436 kilometres.

 

[Gonzo79 13,832]

If employees at the SFA get paid what they're worth, will Neil Doncaster become homeless?

[MacK1950 2,253]

The reason for their claim---USA women won their battle for rights----so again others follow the USA and of course money grabbing legal workers pursue it.

 

While understanding their grievance about money from their appearances being channelled into the men's area when women's fooball become as well supported as men's things then maybe yes.

[Bill 13,717]

I think there's a strong case for men and women being paid the same appearance money for internationals but I expect the SFA will swim against the tide for as long as possible.

[CammyF 6,936]

Anything that costs the SFA money and causes them inconvenience gets my support. 

[Devil's advocaat 1,295]

Given that a load of them won't even be full time, I'd say they have even more of a case for a decent payment than the men.

 

Best of luck to them.

[Malangsob 1,222]

 

3 hours ago, BEARGER said:

"For so many years we've felt an after-thought

Initial hunches are usually correct.

 

[compo 6,256]

Weemins football give me strength lord 

[Whosthedado 1,530]

geez peace  whats this got to do with Rangers? Should be in the football chat if anywhere