“outraged”, the players of the Canadian team on strike to denounce a lack of fairness on the part of their federation

Striking ! Five months before the Women’s World Cup (from July 20 to August 20, 2023, in Australia and New Zealand), the players of the Canadian selection began a strike action on Friday February 10. In a statement released by the Canadian Women’s Soccer Players Association, they demand a “immediate change” on the part of their federation so that it respects its commitment to fairness between the players. This movement comes six months after the strike initiated by the men’s team, opposed to the new contract proposed by their federation.

“With less than six months to go until the biggest tournament in women’s soccer history, our preparation for the World Cup and the future success of the Women’s National Team program is compromised by Canada Soccer’s continued inability to support its national teams. Despite our historic successes and achievements for over a decade, we continue to be told that there is not enough money to adequately fund our U17 and U20 program and teams.” justifies the press release.

“We are tired”

“If Canada Soccer is unwilling or unable to support our team, a change in leadership will have to be considered,” again wrote the reigning Olympic champions, supported by their male counterparts. The press release also mentions that due to the lack of funding from the federation, the team had to give up gatherings as part of the preparation for the World Cup. It also refers to the use of a limited number of players and staff. The players, “tired of constantly having to [se] fight for fair and just treatment”, finally regret that no match is organized in Canada to prepare for the World Cup.

If they do not specify what will be the continuation of the movement, the players emphasize however that they undertake “to do what is necessary to raise awareness of this crisis and to push Canada Soccer to finally properly support national teams”.