Canada women’s team to go on strike over funding cuts

Canada national women’s team will go on strike over pay equity concerns and a lack of funding that they believe will compromise their performances, captain Christine Sinclair said.

The players of the team, who won the Olympic title in 2021, released a joint statement, condemning Canada Soccer’s “continued inability to support its national teams”.

The time is now, we are taking job action. pic.twitter.com/QbVbhTcdDU

— CanadianSoccerPlayers (@PlayersCanadian) February 10, 2023

Canada, who are sixth in the world rankings, will play the United States in the SheBelieves Cup on 17 February.

“As a team we have decided to take job action,” Sinclair told broadcaster TSN.

“From this moment on we will not be participating in any [Canada Soccer] activities until this is resolved – whether that’s training, whether that’s games.

“That’s very hard to say as an athlete who wants to compete and represent Canada, but enough is enough.”

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In a statement, which has been supported by Canada’s men team, players said they are “outraged and deeply concerned” by reporting funding cuts at the national body.

“We are demanding immediate change,” the statement read.

“We expect and deserve nothing less than to be treated equally and fairly and to have our program – and our World Cup preparations – funded appropriately.

“We are left feeling frustrated and, once again, deeply disrespected by Canada Soccer.”

Canada Soccer said in a statement it has “a proven record of supporting women’s soccer”, adding a meeting with the national’s women team will take place in Orlando on Saturday.

Canada Soccer Statement. pic.twitter.com/FfKf2So3PW

— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) February 11, 2023