US Soccer has agreed a multi-million euro settlement with a number of its international players, following a six-year legal dispute.
It's understood the agreement amounts to $24million.
In 2016, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint was placed by five players.
The group - including Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe - raised concerns surrounding inequality of pay and treatment of female players.
This was followed in 2019 by a case taken by 28 members of the US Women's National Team.
They cited years of institutionalised gender discrimination against players in terms of earnings and working conditions.
U.S. Soccer and @USWNT are proudly standing together in a shared commitment to advancing equality in soccer. pic.twitter.com/Sp8q7NY0Up
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) February 22, 2022
In reaching a settlement, US Soccer has also committed to paying men and women equally in the future.
This will incorporate all friendlies and tournaments.
The deal is based on the ratification of a new contract between U.S. Soccer and the players’ union for the women’s team.
“We are pleased to announce that, contingent on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement, we will have resolved our longstanding dispute over equal pay and proudly stand together in a shared commitment to advancing equality in soccer,” US Soccer and the players said in a joint statement.
"Getting to this day has not been easy.
"The US Women’s National Team players have achieved unprecedented success while working to achieve equal pay for themselves and future athletes.
"Today, we recognize the legacy of the past USWNT leaders who helped to make this day possible, as well as all of the women and girls who will follow.
"Together, we dedicate this moment to them.
"We look forward to continuing to work together to grow women’s soccer and advance opportunities for young girls and women in the United States and across the globe.”
The US have won the last two World Cups, claiming the title in 2015 and 2019.
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