OFFENSE

U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Sues U.S. Soccer, Alleging Gender Discrimination

The team accused the soccer federation of years of “institutionalized gender discrimination.”

The United States women’s national soccer team filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the United States Soccer Federation on Friday. The suit is a significant escalation of a longtime fight over pay equity and playing conditions. All 28 members of the reigning championship team are included in the lawsuit, which accuses the federation of years of “institutionalized gender discrimination.” The athletes said these issues affected not only their paychecks, but also working conditions. The players allege they were treated unfairly with regards to where they played, how often they played, how they trained, their medical treatment, the coaching they received, and how they traveled to matches.

The suit includes star athletes like Carli Lloyd, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan. The players have requested class-action statues, and are seeking to represent any current or former players who have represented the women’s national team since Feb. 4, 2015. The women are requesting back pay and damages: an award that could reach into the millions of dollars.

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