The United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the 28 women’s national team players who sued the governing body in March, in the search for equal pay and working conditions, have agreed to pursue mediation in their gender discrimination dispute.
As reported first by The Wall Street Journal, the mediation will allow the US women to focus on the ongoing Women’s World Cup in France, where they are aiming to defend their title.
The decision comes just days after it was reported that the US women generated more in gate receipts revenue than the men’s team over the course of the last few years.
“While we welcome the opportunity to mediate, we are disappointed the plaintiffs’ counsel felt it necessary to share this news publicly during the Women’s World Cup and create any possible distraction from the team’s focus on the tournament and success on the field,” a USSF spokesman told The Wall Street Journal.
The mediation will begin after the US women complete their participation in the Women’s World Cup.
