The Matildas have taken a bold step in addressing the significant gender prize money gap in FIFA’s World Cup. In a powerful three-minute video statement created by the Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), both the Matildas and Socceroos players highlighted the progress achieved by women’s football while shining a light on the obstacles that still lie ahead.
The video showcases different players delivering each line of the statement, emphasizing the collective effort and unity within the team. The PFA is currently engaged in negotiations with Football Australia for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), as the current one expires at the end of the World Cup.
The players expressed their gratitude to the trailblazers who paved the way for the opportunities they now have as Matildas. They stressed the importance of fighting for recognition, validation, and respect, as well as leaving the shirt in a better place for future generations.
The video also addressed the issue of collective bargaining, highlighting that many players are still denied the basic right to organize and negotiate collectively. Despite achieving equal conditions with the Socceroos, women still receive only a quarter of the prize money offered to men by FIFA for the same achievements. While FIFA has increased the prize pool for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, the PFA argues that there is no formal policy or commitment from FIFA to reach gender parity.
However, Football Australia has committed to paying the Matildas the same percentage of prize money as the men. The video acknowledges that the Matildas are one of the few teams covered by a CBA, while players from other nations such as England, Canada, and Nigeria are engaged in disputes with their federations, potentially disrupting their campaigns.
The Matildas’ journey towards fair treatment and recognition has not been easy. In the past, players were forced to return to part-time jobs after winning the 2010 Asian Cup. They finally achieved their first CBA in 2012, which provided them with basic pay and eliminated the need to wash their own jerseys. In 2015, players went on strike during negotiations for their next CBA and were ultimately successful.
The Matildas call on their fans to support them during the tournament and continue their support by attending A-League women’s games to uplift the next generation of Matildas. They also urge those in power across football, business, and politics to join them on their journey to make women’s football as prominent as possible.
PFA co-chief executive Kate Gill emphasizes the importance of Football Australia ensuring the long-term progress of women’s football beyond the World Cup. She argues that the elite women’s competition should offer full-time employment and fair wages to support the next generation of Matildas. The responsibility for this lies not only with Football Australia but also with the Australian Professional Leagues and the clubs.
Ultimately, the Matildas are determined to make their country proud, both on and off the field. They acknowledge the privilege of being a Matilda and the responsibility that comes with it and vow to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Matildas’ World Cup campaign kicks off against the Republic of Ireland on Thursday night.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
