Players union says FIFA is moving to equalize conditions for women at World Cup

FIFA has committed to provide the same conditions for the players at this summer's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as the men get at their soccer showcase, according to FIFPro, an organization which represents professional footballers around the world.

That includes FIFA paying for a 50-person delegation for each team (up from 35 at the 2019 women's tournament), as well as providing business-class travel and single hotel rooms for the players.

FIFPro general secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann told reporters on Friday that FIFA, after several months of talks, has confirmed "that all these conditions will be equalized in this World Cup."

Being treated the same as the men, including travel and resources, has been been one of the major asks of the Canadian women's team.

"The feedback that we got from the players on those experiences and why it's so important to have the option of single rooms was it's very draining being at a World Cup, it takes a lot out of you," said Sarah Gregorius, FIFPro director of policy and strategic relations, women's football.

"And the ability to decompress and have time for yourself from a mental well-being and performance perspective is really important. It's really challenging to do that when you have a roommate."

Gregorius won 100 caps for New Zealand and played at the 2011, '15 and '19 World Cups.

Last week, FIFA announced a $152-million US fund for this summer's Women's World Cup, which is the first 32-team women's competition, covering prize money, team preparation and payments to players' clubs.

The 32 men's teams shared $440 million in prize money at last year's World Cup in Qatar. Canada earned $9 million for its participation plus $1.5 million to help prepare for the