The English women’s football team, looking to couple their World Cup ambitions with their recent European Championship triumph, have decided to suspend talks on performance-related bonuses until after the Women’s World Cup this summer.
Players from various nations anticipate receiving bonuses from their respective countries, but the situation differs for the English squad, known as the Lionesses.
“We are left dissatisfied by the lack of a solution so far,” the team expressed in a statement presented by interim captain Millie Bright.
This month has seen dialogue on this subject between the Football Association (FA) and the Professional Footballers’ Association.
The tournament opener for England against Haiti is slated for Saturday (10:30 BST), their first Group D match taking place in Australia and New Zealand, the host nations for the event.
Catch all the updates from the Women’s World Cup in one place.
“As the tournament draws near, we, the Lionesses, have agreed to suspend these talks, with a commitment to return to them after the event,” the statement from the players further elaborated.
“We all share a compelling responsibility to foster the growth of the sport. While we fully divert our attention to the upcoming competition, we believe every on-field action, be it a tackle, pass, or goal, will echo the work we’re carrying out off the pitch.”
In a landmark decision, individual players at this year’s Women’s World Cup will receive direct payments from Fifa for the first time. These payments vary from £23,500 for teams exiting in the group stages to £211,000 for the tournament winners. Increased prize money is also on offer for the nations, with £3.4m designated for the champions.
Previously, Fifa distributed funds to the national football associations participating in a Women’s World Cup, leaving it to them to decide how to allocate the money, including any player payments.
The revised Fifa model, born out of discussions with Fifpro, the global players’ union, assures that players from all nations will receive payments.
The FA had earlier proposed bonuses for the Lionesses, but it seems the body now views Fifa’s direct payments as an appropriate substitute.
However, the players argue that the FA, considering itself a prominent entity in women’s football, is being outpaced by some competitors – including Australia, the United States and Spain – who are offering bonuses to their squad members.
“Although the Lionesses’ concerns are centred around their negotiation with the FA, they are part of a larger group of players from various World Cup nations ready to stand their ground when they feel unheard,” commented PFA Chief Executive Maheta Molango.
“There will invariably be repercussions when players find themselves revisiting issues time and again in pursuit of equality and progress.”
Add a dose of thrill to your viewing list: Watch all episodes of ‘We Hunt Together’ on BBC iPlayer.
Are you up for a puzzle challenge? Try your luck at cracking the safe code in this tantalising brainteaser.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Women’s World Cup 2023 Bonus Talks
What has the England Women’s Football team decided regarding their performance-related bonuses?
The England Women’s Football team has decided to pause discussions over performance-related bonuses until after the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Who is the current stand-in captain of the England Women’s Football team?
The stand-in captain for the England Women’s Football team is Millie Bright.
When and against whom will England play their first Group D match in the Women’s World Cup 2023?
England will face Haiti on Saturday in their first Group D match of the Women’s World Cup 2023, with the match scheduled to kick off at 10:30 BST.
What is the new financial model that Fifa has implemented for this year’s Women’s World Cup?
This year, Fifa has implemented a new model where individual players at the Women’s World Cup will receive direct payments for the first time. The amounts range from £23,500 for players whose teams exit in the group stages, to £211,000 for those who win the tournament.
What is the stance of the England Women’s Football team regarding their role in the growth of the sport?
The team members collectively feel a strong responsibility to grow the game. While their focus now switches fully to the tournament, they believe that every on-field action will contribute to the work they’re doing off the pitch.
How does the FA view Fifa’s direct payments?
The FA had previously offered bonuses to the Lionesses, but it now views Fifa’s direct payments to players as a suitable replacement. However, the players feel the FA is being overshadowed by some rivals, who are willing to provide additional bonuses to their squads.
More about Women’s World Cup 2023 Bonus Talks
- Women’s World Cup 2023 Official Site
- FIFA’s Official Site
- Professional Footballers’ Association Official Website
- Football Association (FA) Official Website
- FIFPRO (The Global Players’ Union) Official Site
4 comments
Hmm, interesting move by the players, hope they sort it out after the tournament.
About time FIFA steps up! But nations should also do their bit! Its all about equality in the end…
I stand with our girls. They should definitely get bonuses!
all about fairness isnt it? each team should get the same kinda deal. Just my 2 cents.