Award-Winning Lucy Bronze Speaks Out on Gender Equality in Sport Amidst World Cup Preparations

England's players are resolute in their determination to advocate for improvements in the women's game amidst an ongoing controversy surrounding bonuses which threatens to overshadow their preparations for the World Cup. Earlier this week, We News highlighted a dispute that has arisen before the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, in which England's players expressed their disappointment with the bonuses promised by the FA, contingent on their performance in the competition.

Players participating in the World Cup will now receive a fixed bonus based on their performance, regardless of their nationality. In the past, national associations had the authority to determine the bonuses, but this rule has been modified. England, along with other teams, has expressed discontentment towards the newly introduced extra bonuses.

When asked about her thoughts on the ongoing discussions surrounding bonuses for England's players before the tournament, Bronze responded to We News, stating, "These types of issues are common in women's football - it's not only our team that faces them. Many teams, players, and associations have to fight for changes within the game."

"We aim to propel the game forward, continuously striving to reach unprecedented heights. As players, our ambition extends beyond the field, encompassing all aspects of our lives.

Regrettably, it is disheartening that women in sports face this challenge. However, I believe that assuming this role is embraced by countless athletes and women, both within society and the realm of sports."

We were informed earlier this week that England's women have the potential to receive additional bonuses if they excel at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. It is believed that the FA's commercial partners might contribute additional funds to acknowledge outstanding performances, which has been the case for both male and female England teams in the past.

We News reporter Anton Toloui confirmed a variety of solutions are still being looked at.

"Players being paid appropriately is a big issue going into this World Cup," he said.

Lucy Bronze of England is the first player to openly address and express her frustrations regarding the ongoing discussions between players and the FA regarding this situation. The FA is currently exploring various options to potentially find a resolution.

How has this situation occurred?

Bonuses are allocated for each round, with players receiving £24,000 if they are eliminated in the group stages, and £213,000 if they emerge as the winners of the World Cup. Previously, individual associations had the authority to determine the players' share from the prize money as it was paid directly to them. However, this is no longer the situation.

Consequently, this World Cup marks the first instance in which the English FA may incur financial losses due to the various expenses related to accommodations, travel, equipment, and supporting personnel. Nevertheless, the players are discontented with the FA's unwillingness to finance extra bonuses independently, instead relying on FIFA to cover the costs.

This World Cup offers women the opportunity to earn, on average, 60% more for their participation compared to the previous tournament held four years ago. Additionally, the rewards for teams that do not advance beyond the group stages have increased by 300% compared to 2019, and are now 700% higher than in 2015.

In contrast, the men's team has a longstanding tradition of donating their win bonuses to charitable causes while representing England on international duty.

But those very players generate significantly higher incomes from their domestic contracts and commercial endorsements compared to the women. Consequently, it can be contended that they have a considerably greater financial capacity to be magnanimous with their England bonuses.

What about other countries?

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Canada forward Cloe Lacasse in action against Brazil at the SheBelieves Cup

We News reporter Anton Toloui:

Other players approach their associations, questioning, "While it's commendable that the bonus pot is funded by FIFA, what further measures are being taken by the associations to benefit us?"

Take Canada, for instance; they are currently engaged in discussions and negotiations regarding their wages and working conditions. They are diligently working towards finalizing their collective bargaining agreement.

For instance, South Africa chose to forfeit a friendly match prior to the tournament due to dissatisfaction with their payment and the prevailing conditions. In contrast, Nigeria's captain publicly refuted reports suggesting that they were on the verge of forfeiting the World Cup due to bonus-related issues.

"It's a big issue for many countries going into this World Cup. It's the first time England have had this issue going into a World Cup though. We'll see how it is resolved."

Wiegman: Incredible welcome for the Lionesses

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England head coach Sarina Wiegman has hailed the Lionesses' "incredible" World Cup welcome in Australia.

Around 3,000 spectators watched England train during an open session at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Queensland.

"To see so many fans join us today was incredible," Wiegman said.

Since our arrival, we have been greeted with a remarkably warm welcome which has made us feel right at home. We are truly delighted to be here as it provides the perfect environment for us to work and complete our preparations for the tournament, thanks to the outstanding facilities and exceptional climate.

England will enhance their World Cup preparations by playing a private match against Canada on Friday. Following this, they will travel to Brisbane three days later for their first group match against Haiti on July 22. Furthermore, they will encounter Denmark in Sydney and China in Adelaide during the group stage of the tournament.

When and where is the 2023 Women's World Cup?

The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 20 and will conclude on August 20 with the final set to be held at the Accor Stadium in Sydney.

The USA are the defending champions and are looking to become the first team in the competition's history to win the tournament three times in a row.