Australia's call for World Cup prize equity adds fuel to fire in women's game

AUCKLAND : Four years after the United States won the Women's World Cup to cheers of "equal pay", this year's co-hosts Australia have thrust the issue of gender equity back on to soccer's biggest stage as players across federations demand better conditions and pay.

The Matildas called out gender disparity in World Cup prize money in a video message released on Monday, ensuring the topic will stay front-and-centre days before the tournament kicks off on their home turf and in New Zealand.

The team went on strike in 2015 to demand better pay and have received the same minimum percentage of prize money for tournaments as their male counterparts since 2019.

"Collective bargaining has allowed us to ensure we now get the same conditions as the Socceroos, with one exception – FIFA will still only offer women one-quarter as much prize money as men for the same achievement," the players said.

The statement comes amid upheaval across women's soccer, with players demanding better pay and playing conditions across the globe.

Canada were still embroiled in a dispute with their national federation days before the tournament kicks off on Thursday, while Jamaica voiced disappointment at the level of support from their governing body.

A rash of pre-tournament injuries across the sport has sidelined several top players across multiple federations, prompting concern about the level of funding in the women's game and the number of games on players' schedules.

"The level of care is not quite at the level that we need it and you see more injuries," said Olivia Chance, a veteran of the New Zealand squad who is returning from injury to compete on her home turf. "We are pushing for better standards of the game."

'TURNING POINT'

FIFA earned applause last