Canada’s national women’s team will go on strike in pursuit of equal pay and increased funding from governing body Canada Soccer.
The players made the announcement via a joint statement on social media, calling for “immediate” change and demanding Canada Soccer reverse funding cuts they say have placed an “unacceptable burden” on the team.
Canada are sixth in FIFA’s women’s world rankings and are due to face the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on February 17.
Bev Priestman’s team are also viewed among the contenders for this year’s Women’s World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside hosts Australia, the Republic of Ireland and Nigeria in Group B.
The statement read: “We have been patiently negotiating with Canada Soccer for more than a year. Now that our World Cup is approaching, the women’s national team players are being told to prepare to perform at a world-class level without the same level of support received by the men’s national team.
“We are left feeling frustrated and, once again, deeply disrespected by Canada Soccer.
“We are tired – tired of constantly having to fight for fair and equal treatment, and for a program which will give us a chance to achieve what we know this team is capable of achieving.
“If Canada Soccer is not willing or able to support our team, new leadership should be found. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to create public awareness of this crisis.”
Players from the men’s national team subsequently issued a statement of their own, saying they “wholeheartedly support” the actions of the women’s team.