FIFPRO Prepares Legal Action if Women's World Cup Prize Money Remains Unequal

FIFPRO and national players’ unions have reportedly turned to legal counsel, preparing for a scenario where Women's World Cup players still don't match men's prize money. The Athletic reports that FIFPRO sent a direct letter to FIFA, demanding proportional equal prize money for both tournaments. The proposal includes keeping the minimum 30% guaranteed to players competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scaled according to team numbers and games played.

"When adopted, these proposals will ensure: equal pay for equal work for both women and men," the letter states.

Signatories include 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.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, announced in 2023 an "ambition" to equalize prize money for the 2026 and 2027 winners. Yet reports indicate the FIFA administration plans only to double the 2023 prize pool. That sum still falls well short of the $871 million 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 joint statement. "Women’s national team players have been an integral part of this ongoing process and continue to help shape the discussions."

They added that 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 concluded.

The tournament kicks off in Brazil from June 24 to July 35. The United States, ousted in the round of 16 three years ago after winning two consecutive titles, will look to recapture the crown.