Despite winning the World Cup, the United States women’s soccer team’s battle to be paid as much as the men’s team is still stuck in a stalemate.
Mediation talks between the USWNT and the U.S. Soccer Federation regarding the team’s gender-discrimination lawsuit have failed to reach a resolution, according to CNN.
“We entered this week’s mediation with representatives of USSF full of hope,” USWNT spokesperson Molly Levinson said in a statement. “Today we must conclude these meetings sorely disappointed in the Federation’s determination to perpetuate fundamentally discriminatory workplace conditions and behavior. It is clear that USSF … fully intend to continue to compensate women players less than men. They will not succeed.”
With no further mediation sessions scheduled at this time, the USWNT’s lawsuit will likely proceed to federal court and could even lead to a trial next year.
“We value our players, and have continually shown that, by providing them with compensation and support that exceeds any other women’s team in the world,” U.S. Soccer spokesman Neil Buethe told USA TODAY. “Despite inflammatory statements from their spokesperson, which are intended to paint our actions inaccurately and unfairly, we are undaunted in our efforts to continue discussions in good faith.”
During an appearance on NBC’s Today on Thursday, Megan Rapinoe said the USWNT’s players are willing to go to litigation and are confident they can win their case.
“I don’t think for us anything is off the table,” Rapinoe said.
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