The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have recently completed “a ground-breaking deal for Irish sport” and, in turn, a symbol for the fast-tracked progress of the women’s game in recent history. The deal in question being an accord for the Republic or Ireland’s female footballers to receive equal pay for internationals as their male counterparts.
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Whilst this is not unprecedent territory per say – England, New Zealand, Australia, Norway and Brazil have already imposed such an agreement in the past – it marks itself as, in the words of FAI chief executive officer Jonathan Hill, “another important milestone in the FAI’s own transformation journey”, whilst simultaneously showing the Republic of Ireland “to be the progressive footballing nation (they) have always aspired to be”.
As part of the deal, the men’s team has agreed to reduce their match fees with the FAI matching that contribution to increase pay for the female players.
An FAI statement read: “The men’s squad have agreed to reduce their international fees, with the FAI matching their contribution to ensure that the Senior Women’s team match fee is increased and all male and female players receive the same match fee from the September international window onwards.
Republic of Ireland Women captain Katie McCabe, who was instrumental in the brokerage of the “ground-breaking deal”, said: “This is a great day for Irish football.
“We have taken a huge step forward with this deal and have shown the world what can be achieved through unity as we offer male and female international players the same opportunities.”
“I am very proud as Ireland captain of the work that has been put in to get us to this point, not just by the current team, but by so many Irish players in the past.
“They are the real heroes in this story, they took a stand, and they passed on the baton to the current generation. Seamus Coleman and his team-mates in the Senior Men’s squad also deserve credit for being brave enough to support us in such a progressive way on this issue. It is really appreciated.
“I also want to thank Jonathan Hill and Ciaran Medlar for their roles in this agreement. The relationship between the FAI and the Senior Women’s team is stronger than I have ever known it, and we look forward to continuing to work together to make Irish football better for everyone who plays our game, regardless of their identity or background.”
Seamus Coleman, captain of the Male national team, further re-enforced the magnitude of such an agreement, stating:
“We are delighted as players to do what we can to ensure that our female international players are treated equally and fairly and we remain fully committed to doing whatever we can to achieve that goal together.
“This deal is the right one for everyone who plays international football for Ireland, no matter which team they represent. We have been working towards this agreement for some time now with Katie, Jonathan and Ciaran and I hope this acts as an inspiration to many other nations to follow suit.”
The FAI said the equal pay will begin immediately with September’s internationals and “equality of approach” has also been agreed regarding bonuses involved in tournament qualification.
