U.S. Women’s National Team players file lawsuit against USSF

Twenty-eight U.S. Women’s National Team players filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) on Friday.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court in Los Angeles, calls for an end to what the players are calling gender-based discrimination, and also seeks financial damages. It has been filed under the Equal Pay Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

[+View the Full Text of the Lawsuit]

As reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, the U.S. WNT players have been a clear strong point for U.S. Soccer’s brand over the past several years. With the 2019 Women’s World Cup quickly approaching, it’s likely not a coincidence that the USA players wanted to file their lawsuit before heading to France this June to defend their 2015 title.

Listed as plaintiffs in the case are the following current USA players, headed by veterans Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn and Carli Lloyd: Morgan Brian, Jane Campbell, Danielle Colaprico, Abby Dahlkemper, Tierna Davidson, Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Adrianna Franch, Ashlyn Harris, Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Allie Long, Merritt Mathias, Jessica McDonald, Samantha Mewis, Alyssa Naeher, Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press, Mallory Pugh, Casey Short, Emily Sonnett, Andi Sullivan and McCall Zerboni.

“Each of us is extremely proud to wear the United States jersey, and we also take seriously the responsibility that comes with that,” stated Morgan. “We believe that fighting for gender equality in sports is a part of that responsibility. As players, we deserved to be paid equally for our work, regardless of our gender.”

Other players who have appeared with team since 2015 – when the USA captured its last FIFA Women’s World Cup title – could have the opportunity to join the case as well.

The U.S. WNT Players Association (USWNTPA) is not directly involved in the suit, but issued the statement below on Friday morning, supporting the players in their case against the USSF.

USWNTPA's statement on the Lloyd Morgan et. al v. USSF filing ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/wt7l8IYAAG

— USWNT Players (@USWNTPlayers) March 8, 2019