England Women's World Cup Bonus Talks with FA Reach Unexpected Halt on Eve of Tournament

England Women have expressed their disappointment over the ongoing negotiations with the FA regarding World Cup bonus payments. However, they have decided to temporarily halt discussions at the moment. It is noteworthy that the Lionesses squad will receive FIFA prize money directly, a change from the past where it was given to the FA. The players from England have been advocating for additional payments to supplement the central payments received by all teams since 2022.

The problem has caused significant disruption in the lead-up to their tournament, as they aim to build on their successful Euro 2022 victory and win their maiden World Cup. Manager Sarina Wiegman has also expressed her desire for a prompt resolution, stating her hopes while the team arrived in Australia.

England's first game against Haiti is just four days away. Captain Millie Bright's Instagram statement confirms that the Lionesses have decided to temporarily pause their conversations in order to fully concentrate on their campaign. However, they plan to resume dialogue once the World Cup is over.

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The squad expressed their disappointment that a solution has not yet been reached regarding their concerns regarding bonus and commercial structures. They had hoped that discussions would have led to a resolution before the start of the World Cup.

"The growth of women's football in England hinges upon the successful outcome of these discussions, which are based on player input and a transparent long-term plan.

"In anticipation of our upcoming opening game, we, the Lionesses, have collectively decided to temporarily halt these discussions. However, we fully intend to resume them once the tournament concludes."

As we shift our attention fully to the upcoming tournament, we share a deep sense of duty to expand the game. We firmly believe that every tackle, pass, and goal we make will contribute to our commitment off the field.

With great anticipation, we prepare to represent our country in the World Cup with utmost pride, unwavering passion, and relentless determination. We sincerely appreciate your support.

In a forceful statement issued by the PFA, CEO Maheta Molango, who has been negotiating on behalf of the England players, emphasized that the concerns raised by the Lionesses are unique to their discussions with the FA. However, he noted that the players are united with athletes from various nations at the World Cup, ready to take a stand when they believe their voices are disregarded.

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Underestimating the true power of player sentiment on these matters is a grave error. This is especially pronounced in countries where a comprehensive collective bargaining agreement is absent between players and governing entities.

Establishing these long-term agreements necessitates negotiation and often entails tough discussions. However, once finalized, they provide a significantly greater level of stability and security.

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"This implies that clarity in everyone's positions is crucial, which is undoubtedly a significant advantage when entering major tournaments, as players simply want to concentrate on the game.

"The perspective of the PFA has consistently been that player rights and conditions should be actively addressed and approached as a collaborative partnership."

There will always be repercussions when players have to continually address and advocate for equality and advancement on a case-by-case basis. It shouldn't be necessary in the first place.

Speaking before the tournament, Manager Wiegman had not yet discussed the matter with her players, but expressed her desire for it to be resolved before Saturday's inaugural match in an interview with We News.

"I have no involvement in those discussions; it is a matter between the players and the FA," she stated. "Naturally, I simply wish for it to be resolved, at least in part, before the tournament commences, as that is the desired outcome for a coach like myself.

"The players have not brought up the matter with me; our attention has been concentrated on football. That is what I have observed; they are highly focused during training sessions and meetings, and I do not detect any issues. However, I am aware that a resolution is necessary, and I sincerely hope for a prompt solution."

England is not the sole team facing frustrations leading up to the World Cup. The Australian Women's team aired their disappointment on Sunday evening, as they expressed their dissatisfaction with their significantly smaller prize pool compared to their male counterparts, who earned four times more at the previous Qatar World Cup.

Jamaica's Reggae Girlz, who are participating in their second World Cup, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the "sub-par" support provided by their national federation. This includes the cancellation of friendlies due to inadequate planning and unfulfilled payments. The team took to Twitter to express their frustration.

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Why are the Lionesses so unhappy with the FA?

"The players' decision to temporarily suspend negotiations until the conclusion of the World Cup does not signify the end of these discussions. However, Millie Bright's post reveals their disappointment in the failure to reach a satisfactory resolution."

The players have engaged in discussions with the FA since last year. Their discontent extends beyond bonus payments to include commercial earnings associated with representing England.

Additionally, PFA chief executive, Maheta Molango, emphasizes the grave error of underestimating the genuine strength of player sentiments on this matter.

"He emphasizes that there will consistently be repercussions when players perceive the need to continuously advocate for fairness and advancement on a case-by-case basis. This unnecessary state of affairs should be rectified."

"This matter has been stirring some degree of apprehension among the players. It can be interpreted in two manners - we are all aware that the payment structure for players has undergone a transformation, now originating from a FIFA prize fund for the first time."

The players' earning potential has seen an increase. In the event of an early exit in the group stages, they will now receive £24,000. Furthermore, their earnings will progressively rise based on their performance throughout the tournament, culminating in a reward of £213,000 if they emerge victorious in the World Cup. However, the players have expressed concern regarding the source of this financial boost. They wonder why none of the money is directly coming from the FA, considering their substantial contributions to the game.

The FA believes that the prize money has quadrupled compared to 2019, and considers it a satisfactory agreement. However, the players are frustrated because they are unable to participate in any commercial activities since entering the camp. Moreover, they are slightly annoyed that they wanted this matter resolved before the World Cup, but negotiations are still ongoing while they are in camp.

Wiegman exclusive: We dream of World Cup win

"You never know. We arrived here with an unwavering dream, and it is precisely what we are relentlessly striving for," Wiegman shares with a smile at England's pre-tournament residence on the Sunshine Coast.

"England has done well in former tournaments and yes, we want to win every game."

Read more from Anton Toloui's exclusive feature with the England manager here.

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

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.