Lucy Bronze Empowers Women's Fight for Change as Bonuses Dispute Casts Shadow Over World Cup Preparations

Lucy Bronze has expressed to We News that the players of England are still dedicated to advocating for advancements in women's football despite the ongoing dispute regarding their bonuses, which is currently overshadowing their preparations for the World Cup. Earlier this week, We News reported that a disagreement had arisen among the players, who were feeling "disappointed" with the bonuses offered by the FA should they advance further in the tournament.

Players participating in this World Cup will receive a fixed bonus, regardless of their national affiliation, due to a new FIFA regulation. In previous tournaments, the decision on bonuses was left to individual national associations. However, the situation has now changed, causing discontent among teams such as England who are not pleased with the new supplementary bonuses being provided.

Bronze addressed the lingering issue of bonus talks hovering over the England players before the tournament and stated, "This is a common occurrence in women's football, not limited to our team alone. Numerous teams, players, associations, and organizations struggle to initiate reforms within the sport."

We are striving to drive the game forward, endeavoring to achieve new heights both on and off the field.

It is unfortunate that women in sports, as a whole, must undertake this role. However, I believe it is a responsibility that many athletes, particularly women, assume in society and in the world of sports.

At the start of the week, there were indications that England's women's team may receive additional bonuses if they excel at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. It is speculated that the FA's commercial partners might contribute additional funds to acknowledge outstanding performances, similar to previous instances involving both male and female England squads.

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 is the first player from England to openly address and express her frustrations regarding the ongoing talks amongst the players and the FA about this situation. The FA is actively exploring various approaches to find a resolution.

How has this situation occurred?

FIFA has recently implemented new regulations for the upcoming World Cup in an effort to guarantee equitable pay for all participating athletes. Regardless of their nationalities, players, upon reaching the same stage of the competition, will now receive identical compensation as their opponents.

Bonuses are assigned for each round, where all players earn £24,000 when eliminated in the group stages, and £213,000 if they emerge as winners of the World Cup. Previously, individual associations had the authority to determine the amount players would receive from the prize fund. However, this is no longer the situation.

The English FA faces the possibility of financial losses for the first time in the history of the World Cup due to various expenses such as hotel accommodations, flights, equipment, and support staff. However, the players are dissatisfied with the FA's decision to rely on FIFA for funding the extra bonuses, instead of funding them internally.

The female players will earn, on average, 60% more than they did in the previous World Cup. The rewards for teams that do not advance beyond the group stages have increased by 300% compared to 2019 and by 700% compared to 2015.

In contrast, the men's team has a tradition of donating their win bonuses to charity while representing England internationally.

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

The tournament commences on July 20 and concludes with the final on August 20 at Sydney's Accor Stadium. The USA, as the defending champions, aim to achieve a historic feat by winning the tournament for the third consecutive time.