Equal Pay Battle: Players Give FIFA Fresh Push Ahead Of 2027 Women’s World Cup
By TAYO TAIWO (T. T.) OLUWOLE
WOMEN’S footballers are considering legal action against FIFA over the persistent disparity between prize money at the men’s and women’s World Cups. However, the players want a binding commitment to equal treatment before the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
According to a report by The Athletic, representatives from 45 countries and the global players’ union, FIFPRO, sent FIFA a letter in September demanding proportionately equal World Cup prize money.
The campaign includes players from Spain, the reigning women’s world champions, European champions England and the United States. Beyond equal prize money, the representatives want players to receive at least 30 per cent of the women’s tournament’s prize fund.
They are also demanding minimum standards for national teams and a binding collective agreement with FIFA. Consequently, the dispute extends beyond financial rewards to wider concerns about players’ welfare and professional conditions.
Meanwhile, representatives of one national players’ union have reportedly indicated their readiness to take FIFA to court if negotiations fail to produce a clear commitment to gender equality. Several other unions are also discussing possible legal action.
The growing pressure comes despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s 2023 ambition to achieve equal World Cup prize money by 2027. So far, however, the organisation has not reached a binding agreement with the players.
The financial gap remains substantial. While the 2023 Women’s World Cup awarded $110 million in prize money, the 2026 men’s tournament provided $655 million in performance-based payments.
Nevertheless, FIFA is reportedly considering increasing the women’s prize fund to at least $220 million for the 2027 competition in Brazil. Although the proposed increase would represent a significant improvement, FIFA has yet to approve it formally.
In response to the growing concerns, FIFA and FIFPRO said their discussions remained constructive. Both organisations also pointed to improvements in players’ compensation and working conditions.
They maintained that their ambition extended beyond equal prize money and expressed optimism about the progress achieved through ongoing negotiations.
Nevertheless, the players’ demands indicate that goodwill and promises may no longer be sufficient. With the 2027 tournament approaching, FIFA faces increasing pressure to translate its equality commitments into enforceable financial and professional guarantees.
