ENGLAND have hit out at a lack of progress with talks concerning bonus pay for players at the Women’s World Cup.
The Euros champs are dismayed no resolution has been reached following ongoing negotitiations with the FA over performance bonuses.
Skipper Millie Bright shared players’ thoughts in a written statement signed by every member of Sarina Wiegman’s squad.
Their words, shared via social media, come just four days before England’s group D opening game against Haiti on July 22.
And the Lionesses have decided to put talks on hold to focus on their progress at the World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
In the statement tweeted by Bright earlier today, players wrote: “Last year we presented the FA with our concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures.
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“We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.
“We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long-term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.
“With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament.
“We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game and while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch.
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“We look forward to playing for our country in this World Cup with pride, passion and perseverance. Thank you for your support.”
The Lionesses’ statement comes a month after Fifa announced changes to how prize money is allocated to players at the Women’s World Cup
For the first time in the tournament’s history pay from the authority will go directly to squad members on each team.
And the amount paid is based on players’ performance with the figure rising the further a team progresses in the contest.
Prior to Fifa’s new set-up national football bodies would choose how prize money was distributed
It is thought some are willing to fund additional pay to players outside Fifa’s new structure.
England players are believed to be dismayed that the FA has not taken a leaf out of the book of their United States counterparts.
The USA’s federation has a collective bargaining agreement which sees players receive bonuses in addition to prize money paid directly to them by Fifa.
PFA chief Maheta Molango warned it would be “a massive mistake” to underestimate players’ feelings on the matter.
The Professional Footballers’ Association boss said: “It is no coincidence this is particular issue for nations where there is no collective bargaining agreement in place for players and governing bodies.
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“There will always be consequences when players feel they are having to come back, issue by issue, to push for parity and progress.
“It doesn’t need to be like this.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
