England Lionesses prepared to strike as stars want £50k for World Cup final

10 September 2023 , 16:30

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England Lionesses prepared to strike as stars want £50k for World Cup final

England's Lionesses are set for showdown talks with the Football Association and could strike if they are not given a suitable pay offer.

Sarina Wiegman 's squad have showed their quality at home and further afield over the last two years, winning Euro 2022 on home soil by beating Germany in the final, and then got within 90 minutes of adding a World Cup title Down Under.

The Lionesses ended up losing 1-0 to Spain in front of a 75,000 crowd in Sydney. Wiegman's team paused pay negotiations to focus on their World Cup efforts, but crunch talks will take place ahead of their first match since that defeat, a UEFA Nations League game against Scotland at the Stadium of light.

According to The Mail, the players are aware of all the options on the table. They are said to favour a 'constructive' approach from the FA over pay, and while they are aware striking is an option, it is reportedly not one which has yet been actively discussed.

Per earlier reports from the same publication, England were after £100,000 per player had they won the World Cup, or half that amount if they lost the final. Ultimately, Olga Carmona's winner for Spain leaves them in the latter camp.

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The Mail also reports that the players are after clarity when it comes to how things will look going forward. Previously, negotiations have taken place before and after major tournaments with the figures wanted in relation to the 2023 World Cup said to relate to a share of commercial revenues as well as prize money.

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England were beaten by Spain in the Women's World Cup final (PA)

“Last year we presented the FA with concerns relating to our bonus and commercial structures," a team statement, shared in July by captain Millie Bright, read. "The hope was that discussions would lead to a solution before the commencement of our World Cup.

“We are disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved. We view the successful conclusion of these discussions, through player input and a transparent long term plan, as key for the growth of women’s football in England.

“With our opening game on the horizon, we Lionesses have decided to pause discussions, with full intentions of revisiting them following the tournament. We collectively feel a strong sense of responsibility to grow the game.

"And while our focus now switches fully to the tournament ahead, we believe every tackle, pass and goal will contribute to the work we are committed to doing off the pitch. We look forward to playing for our country (at) this World Cup, with pride, passion and perseverance.”

Tom Victor