Republic of Ireland senior football teams agree on equal pay deal for men and women

The Republic of Ireland women’s and men’s international teams have agreed a deal with the FAI to receive equal pay. The agreement was concluded ahead of the September World Cup qualifiers.

“The men’s squad have agreed to reduce their international fees, with the FAI matching their contribution to ensure that the Senior Women’s team match fee is increased and all male and female players receive the same match fee from the September international window onwards”, said the official statement of FAI. “The FAI has also agreed equality of approach with the Senior Men’s and Senior Women’s squad with regard to any future Tournament qualification”, adds the statement.

Republic of Ireland Women captain Katie McCabe assisted with the discussions. She called the deal “historical” and underlined that male and female international players have the same opportunities.

“This latest step is another important milestone in the FAI’s own transformation journey and shows us to be the progressive footballing nation we have always aspired to be”, said the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive officer Jonathan Hill.

England, Brazil, Australia, Norway, and New Zealand are the football associations that already pay their female and male footballers equally for representing their nation.