FIFPRO and national players’ unions have reportedly sought legal advice on what to do if Women's World Cup players do not receive prize money equal to that of men's World Cup players.
According to The Athletic, FIFPRO sent a letter to FIFA proposing "[p]roportional equal prize money for the Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cups, including maintaining the minimum 30% guaranteed to players who compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (proportional to number of teams and games played)."
"When adopted, these proposals will ensure: equal pay for equal work for both women and men," the reported letter reads.
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The outlet said players from reigning champions Spain, England, the United States women's national team and the rest of the current top 10 in the women's rankings are all signatories to the letter.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced in 2023 an "ambition" to have equal prize money for the 2026 and 2027 winners.
Reports have said the FIFA administration will double the 2023 prize pool, but it will still fall well short of the $871 million that was awarded to men's teams for this year's World Cup.
"FIFPRO and FIFA have been working collaboratively for several years to improve financial compensation and conditions for players to ensure the FIFA Women’s World Cup remains a global benchmark," the organizations said in a statement. "Women’s national team players have been an integral part of this ongoing process and continue to help shape the discussions."
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The organizations added they are "working towards a new set of terms for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, covering prize money and also, for the first time, enhanced financial distribution that rewards member associations and players who participated in the qualifying phase."
"FIFPRO and FIFA remain committed to working together to secure the best possible support for players while contributing to the sustainable growth and professionalisation of women’s football. Our ambition includes equalising prize money but also goes far beyond it. Both organisations are positive about progress made in discussions so far," they said.
The Women's World Cup will take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 35.
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The United States will look to recapture the title after being ousted in the round of 16 three years ago following back-to-back victories.