Scotland women's team legal action against SFA over pay begins

The Scotland women’s national team’s legal action against the Scottish Football Association over pay begins on Wednesday.

Scotland Women’s national team captain Rachel Corsie is the lead claimant in the employment tribunal case that starts with a preliminary hearing in Glasgow.

The players are demanding a contract stipulating equal pay and treatment compared to their male counterparts on issues such as training facilities, hotels, travel, kit plus medical and nutritional resources.

“This is about all professional footballers being treated equally,” she said previously.

“After years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases abuse, we have a historic opportunity to advance equal pay and to promote equality for women and girls in football.

“This campaign is about parity, and we’ll be seeking to engage with the Scottish Football Association, the fans, and everyone in Scotland’s football community to deliver this long overdue change.”

While players aren’t specifically paid to play for their country as salaried employees, funds are paid into a “player appearance pot” and shared from there.

The legal challenge aims to ensure that there is a fairer share from sponsorship and commercial deals put in to the women’s teams.

Senior player Erin Cuthbert also spoke out about the current arrangements and the need for lasting change.

The Chelsea attacker said: “This campaign must be the start of an irreversible turning point to forever change our national game, and the way women players are treated.

“It’s about advancing and achieving equality in Scottish football.”

The dispute and legal move comes after the USA women’s team won a legal battle to secure equal pay with their male counterparts. The US Soccer Federation was ordered to pay out £17m after the judgement went against them.