Canada’s national women’s team will go on strike over pay equity concerns and a lack of funding that they believe will compromise their performances according to a statement made by captain Christine Sinclair.
The players released a joint statement condemning Canada Soccer’s continued inability to support its national teams.
In a statement released by the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association (CSPA), players said they are outraged and deeply concerned by reporting funding cuts at the national body.
The statement has been supported by the men’s team, who went on strike last year in a dispute over World Cup prize money.
The North American football’s governing body Canada Soccer said it would meet the women’s team players for further talks, insisting it has a proven track record of supporting the women’s game.
The joint-player statement said Canada Soccer had cut training camp days and full camp windows, which would impact the team’s World Cup preparations.
The team said they had been patiently negotiating with Canada Soccer for more than a year but were being told to “make do with less”.
They added they felt frustrated and deeply disrespected by the unacceptable burden placed on their shoulders.
They are set to face the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on 17 February.
The next Women’s World Cup takes place from 20 July to 20 August in Australia and New Zealand.
Canada are sixth in the world rankings and won Olympic gold in 2021.