October 9 – In a first for footballing financial equality, Norway’s male and female players are to receive the same amount for representing their country.
The Norwegian FA has announced it is almost doubling the pay of their women players and that it will include a contribution from the male pot from the start of next year with both teams each set to earn a collective NKR6 million ($751,000).
“Norway is a country where equal standing is very important for us, so I think it is good for the country and for the sport,” said local union leader Joachim Walltin.
“We will be a pioneer country in this area. The feeling of being really respected is very important for them. The federation can see it as an investment to increase the level of the women’s team.”
Norway’s women have traditionally performed better than their men and men’s captain Stefan Johansen welcomed the new set-up. “I just think that’s how it should be,” he said. “I think it can help a lot for them. The ladies are as important as us.”
The women’s game in most countries, rightly or wrongly, is treated with less respect financially – even in those nations where it is well established. In September, Denmark cancelled a home women’s friendly against Netherlands because of a dispute over money with the Danish Football Association (DBU).
“In Denmark they are still negotiating and in the United States things have improved, but we might be the only country where they are treated equally,” added Walltin.
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