Why do female footballers think they deserve equal pay?

[TheHibernator]

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/486633-megan-rapinoe-we-need-actual-offer-of-equal-pay-before-pre

Why does she not seem to understand that there simply isn't the demand to watch women playing football?

She may not like it but it's the way it is.

It's like if I was a singer and I was doing a gig the same night as The Rolling Stones, and they made considerably more money than me because

1. They're better performers than me
2. There's a much higher demand to see them

Imagine I then kicked up a storm because I got less money because less people wanted to see me play. It's madness and I don't know why nobody has shut her down yet.

In the pandering world we live in today, she'll probably get what she wants if she moans enough about it.

[lord bunberry]

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/486633-megan-rapinoe-we-need-actual-offer-of-equal-pay-before-pre

Why does she not seem to understand that there simply isn't the demand to watch women playing football?

She may not like it but it's the way it is.

It's like if I was a singer and I was doing a gig the same night as The Rolling Stones, and they made considerably more money than me because

1. They're better performers than me
2. There's a much higher demand to see them

Imagine I then kicked up a storm because I got less money because less people wanted to see me play. It's madness and I don't know why nobody has shut her down yet.

In the pandering world we live in today, she'll probably get what she wants if she moans enough about it.
Is this not just for international games? If so I don’t have a problem with it, but if it’s for club contracts then I think it’s unworkable. I know they have a different system for football and may even have central contracts so maybe America isn’t a great example.

[calumhibee1]

Megan Rapinoe is best ignored. Contradicts herself constantly, sexualises men in the exact same way she’s complained about women being sexualised etc. Just comes across as a total bellend really.

[Just_Jimmy]

Big fan and supporter of the woman's game but what level are we talking?

Are we paying cove players wages or real Madrid?

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[JeMeSouviens]

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/486633-megan-rapinoe-we-need-actual-offer-of-equal-pay-before-pre

Why does she not seem to understand that there simply isn't the demand to watch women playing football?

She may not like it but it's the way it is.

It's like if I was a singer and I was doing a gig the same night as The Rolling Stones, and they made considerably more money than me because

1. They're better performers than me
2. There's a much higher demand to see them

Imagine I then kicked up a storm because I got less money because less people wanted to see me play. It's madness and I don't know why nobody has shut her down yet.

In the pandering world we live in today, she'll probably get what she wants if she moans enough about it.

Actually between the US men's and women's teams, which is aiui what she's on about, I'm not sure that's true? Do we have stats?

[Smartie]

Actually between the US men's and women's teams, which is aiui what she's on about, I'm not sure that's true? Do we have stats?

Women’s football is also massive in the US. It’s worth hearing what she has to say.

[Beefster]

Actually between the US men's and women's teams, which is aiui what she's on about, I'm not sure that's true? Do we have stats?

Women has bigger attendances in 2019 according to this - https://worldsoccertalk.com/2019/12/25/uswnt-average-attendance-8-greater-us-mens-soccer-team-2019/

Seems like she has a case.

[hibsbollah]

https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/in-the-know/486633-megan-rapinoe-we-need-actual-offer-of-equal-pay-before-pre

Why does she not seem to understand that there simply isn't the demand to watch women playing football?

She may not like it but it's the way it is.

It's like if I was a singer and I was doing a gig the same night as The Rolling Stones, and they made considerably more money than me because

1. They're better performers than me
2. There's a much higher demand to see them

Imagine I then kicked up a storm because I got less money because less people wanted to see me play. It's madness and I don't know why nobody has shut her down yet.

In the pandering world we live in today, she'll probably get what she wants if she moans enough about it.

I imagine she thinks they deserve it because equal pay is enshrined in the law, and because they have performed better on the pitch and by the measures I've read brought in more money in terms of bonuses and endorsements than the men's team who embarrassed themselves by getting papped out by a woeful Trinidad and Tobago.

More power to her.

[Onceinawhile]

Is this not just for international games? If so I don’t have a problem with it, but if it’s for club contracts then I think it’s unworkable. I know they have a different system for football and may even have central contracts so maybe America isn’t a great example.

Agreed. Club football is completely different as a lot of income is derived from attendances. The USMNT and USWNT are completely different though and in this case, the women should probably be getting paid more than the men.


Megan Rapinoe is best ignored. Contradicts herself constantly, sexualises men in the exact same way she’s complained about women being sexualised etc. Just comes across as a total bellend really.

I can't say I've ever seen her sexualise men. I thought she was a lesbian? Regardless, I'm not sure she's a total bellend for standing up for what she believes in.

My favourite was when piers morgan called her arrogant for celebrating, then a day or two later was going on about how great CR7 was.:greengrin

[Haymaker]

I imagine she thinks they deserve it because equal pay is enshrined in the law, and because they have performed better on the pitch and by the measures I've read brought in more money in terms of bonuses and endorsements than the men's team who embarrassed themselves by getting papped out by a woeful Trinidad and Tobago.

More power to her.

Basically, yes.

The USWNT is essentially a club team with the amount of games they play and there was definitely a lot more people at RB arena to watch them on sunday than there was the week before for NYRBs opener.

[Future17]

Megan Rapinoe is best ignored. Contradicts herself constantly, sexualises men in the exact same way she’s complained about women being sexualised etc. Just comes across as a total bellend really.

I'll admit I don't know a lot about her, but would be interested in examples of what you've said (highlighted in bold).

[neil7908]

I imagine she thinks they deserve it because equal pay is enshrined in the law, and because they have performed better on the pitch and by the measures I've read brought in more money in terms of bonuses and endorsements than the men's team who embarrassed themselves by getting papped out by a woeful Trinidad and Tobago.

More power to her.

This.

[DH1875]

Equal pay? I'm sure that the Hibs team (mens) would love to be making the same as Messi and Ronaldo. Simple economics FFS.

[calumhibee1]

I'll admit I don't know a lot about her, but would be interested in examples of what you've said (highlighted in bold).

She done a speech where she was adamant a male footballer should have won an award, not because of his ability, but because he was “cute” or words to those effect.

[Onceinawhile]

Equal pay? I'm sure that the Hibs team (mens) would love to be making the same as Messi and Ronaldo. Simple economics FFS.

Are the hibs team performing better than Messi and Ronaldo and earning more funds for the people who hold their contract?

The uswnt are compared to the usmnt.

Simple economics ffs.

[Onceinawhile]

https://www.sportbible.com/football/reactions-news-megan-rapinoes-comments-about-virgil-van-dijk-at-the-fifa-awards-20190924

Here's a link to the speech referred to. Interestingly, despite the article saying they have a clip of her saying van dijk was cute - there isn't one.

Anyway, the main gist of her speech was that standing up to racism and homophobia is impressive and more of us should do it. Seems an odd speech to beat her over the head with.

[CloudSquall]

If they are generating the same level of income as the male teams then they should be getting paid the same, more if the returns are higher.

Don't know much about Meghan but from what I've seen she's became a bit of a knob that loves the sound of her own voice since the last female world cup.

[calumhibee1]

https://www.sportbible.com/football/reactions-news-megan-rapinoes-comments-about-virgil-van-dijk-at-the-fifa-awards-20190924

Here's a link to the speech referred to. Interestingly, despite the article saying they have a clip of her saying van dijk was cute - there isn't one.

Anyway, the main gist of her speech was that standing up to racism and homophobia is impressive and more of us should do it. Seems an odd speech to beat her over the head with.

So because she said some good stuff about racism and homophobia that makes whatever else she says ok? That seems even more odd.

[pollution]

If Wimbledon pays both men and woman winners the same money despite the women only playing three sets.

Maybe that is in her line of thinking?

[Beefster]

So because she said some good stuff about racism and homophobia that makes whatever else she says ok? That seems even more odd.

Is all this because she called someone 'cute'?

[calumhibee1]

Is all this because she called someone 'cute'?

Imagine the reaction if a male footballer said Alex Morgan should win POTY cause she’s tidy. There would be uproar.

Then imagine the guy campaigning against women saying similar things towards men. Even though he’d happily say things like that against women.

Rapinoes double standards mean she’s best ignored.

[Beefster]

Imagine the reaction if a male footballer said Alex Morgan should win POTY cause she’s tidy. There would be uproar.

Then imagine the guy campaigning against women saying similar things towards men. Even though he’d happily say things like that against women.

Rapinoes double standards mean she’s best ignored.

You could have just said ‘yes’.

[calumhibee1]

You could have just said ‘yes’.

You could have just avoided asking if you didn’t want a proper answer.

[Speedy]

Are the hibs team performing better than Messi and Ronaldo and earning more funds for the people who hold their contract?

The uswnt are compared to the usmnt.

Simple economics ffs.

Sounds like they deserve more because they are performing better and getting bigger audiences.

The argument with equal pay has been 'you will get it when you attract the same audience', well now they are it's time to pay up imo.

[hibsbollah]

You could have just avoided asking if you didn’t want a proper answer.

You haven't demonstrated any double standards, so I think we can assume there aren't any.

[Haymaker]

Sounds like they deserve more because they are performing better and getting bigger audiences.

The argument with equal pay has been 'you will get it when you attract the same audience', well now they are it's time to pay up imo.

Ah but yesterday it was announced that they shouldn't because "the men (might if they qualify) play in more tournaments that would provide more prize money should they win." And have to "play in front of tougher crowds"

Or words to that effect.

[makaveli1875]

How can you have equal pay in for anyone in football when some clubs like Hibs pay a couple of grand a week, Celtic 15-20 grand a week and Man City quarter of a million a week. There's probably women in the English league that get paid more than hibs men do

[heretoday]

It's a market innit?

Right now I wouldn't cross the road to watch a women's football match based on ability alone.

They need some characters to make it more interesting.

[DH1875]

How can you have equal pay in for anyone in football when some clubs like Hibs pay a couple of grand a week, Celtic 15-20 grand a week and Man City quarter of a million a week. There's probably women in the English league that get paid more than hibs men do

That's what I was trying to say. Maybe I went about it the wrong way lol.

[Beefster]

How can you have equal pay in for anyone in football when some clubs like Hibs pay a couple of grand a week, Celtic 15-20 grand a week and Man City quarter of a million a week. There's probably women in the English league that get paid more than hibs men do

I think people are misunderstanding what ‘equal pay’ means. Unless I’ve missed someone arguing that everyone should be paid the same, irrespective of who they play for.

The ongoing case is about US National teams. Women are paid less despite attracting larger crowds.

[hibsbollah]

I think people are misunderstanding what ‘equal pay’ means. Unless I’ve missed someone arguing that everyone should be paid the same, irrespective of who they play for.

The ongoing case is about US National teams. Women are paid less despite attracting larger crowds.

:agree: It's often much easier and less time consuming to just not bother reading the link though.

[The Modfather]

These kind of equality debates in sport always seem to over complicate things IMO. Economics should dictate what any sportsman or sportswoman earns and all sports should be free of any restrictions to organically grow income. That’s essential the crux of the debate.

As for Megan Rapinoe, not got much time for her as she comes across very preachy, regardless of whether I agree or disagree with her points. A female Bob Geldof IMO.

[Future17]

She done a speech where she was adamant a male footballer should have won an award, not because of his ability, but because he was “cute” or words to those effect.

Thanks for the reply. I've had a look and I can't find any video or audio of the alleged comment, just articles on it which appear to have the same individual source. I find Rapinoe rather irritating, but I wouldn't trust such reporting in relation to an allegation about someone I absolutely despised, never mind anyone else. In any event, not even the article suggests she was "adamant" about it. It reads more like an ill-advised, heat-of-the-moment type comment to me, rather than a serious discussion.

That being said, I do agree that, had it been a man speaking about a female footballer in that way, it would have made a lot of headlines in the sports world (and probably beyond)...particularly if that man happened to be someone they media enjoyed kicking.

As irritating as I find Rapinoe, I do think she highlights some important issues. The problem for people like her who are brave (or whatever other character trait you want to attribute it to) enough to speak up, is that it puts you in the spotlight and forces you to live in a way which protects you from allegations of hypocrisy. You can never relax.


I think people are misunderstanding what ‘equal pay’ means. Unless I’ve missed someone arguing that everyone should be paid the same, irrespective of who they play for.

The ongoing case is about US National teams. Women are paid less despite attracting larger crowds.

If my understanding of the specific USWNT lawsuit is correct, the US federation has offered to pay them on the same basis as the USMNT with regard to payments which are within the control of the federation - so the women would benefit from attracting larger crowds. However, the women's team appear to be suggesting that "equal pay" should include equal prize money for international tournaments, even though that prize money is set by FIFA and not the US federation.

Essentially, the suggestion is that, even though the Women's World Cup generates less revenue for FIFA than the Men's World Cup, the winning teams in each version of the tournament should be paid the same amount...and the US federation is responsible for that not happening. It makes little sense to me.

[Beefster]

If my understanding of the specific USWNT lawsuit is correct, the US federation has offered to pay them on the same basis as the USMNT with regard to payments which are within the control of the federation - so the women would benefit from attracting larger crowds. However, the women's team appear to be suggesting that "equal pay" should include equal prize money for international tournaments, even though that prize money is set by FIFA and not the US federation.

Essentially, the suggestion is that, even though the Women's World Cup generates less revenue for FIFA than the Men's World Cup, the winning teams in each version of the tournament should be paid the same amount...and the US federation is responsible for that not happening. It makes little sense to me.

I think they are arguing that US Soccer should pay them equally irrespective of the difference in FIFA's prize money. A bit like how two employees doing the same job in a normal company generally get paid in the same ballpark, even if they are working on different contracts with different levels of profitability.

[Keyser Sauzee]

Case thrown out of court by judge.

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/football/52513218