Canada Soccer agree interim funding deal in principle with women's team

Canada Soccer has announced a deal in principle on an interim funding agreement has been reached with its women's team.

The Olympic champions, who will be in the Republic of Ireland's group at this summer's 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, last month issued a statement via the Canadian Soccer Players' Association complaining about the level of funding from Canada Soccer, with captain Christine Sinclair saying the team were going on strike over the matter.

After that action was subsequently called off, Canada players then wore purple shirts displaying the words "enough is enough" as a protest ahead of their matches at the SheBelieves Cup.

A statement from the association on Friday said: "Canada Soccer has announced that a deal in principle has been reached with the women's national team players on an interim funding agreement, for 2022.

"The terms of the interim agreement mirror a similar deal with the men's national team players that includes per-game incentives and results-based compensation.

"A new overarching collective bargaining agreement with both of our national teams is still being negotiated. Therefore, the interim funding agreement with the women's national team players is subject to change on the basis of details included in the final collective bargaining agreement.

"With the principle terms of agreement now in place between Canada Soccer and the women's national team players, final details of the interim funding agreement are being finalised by their respective legal counsel."

"Challenge accepted!" Ireland captain Katie McCabe on Wednesday's draw against China, the trio of debutants, facing the USA in April, speculation about her own club future and showing solidarity with Canada's players #RTESoccer #CHNIRL #COYGIG