By Hannah Blackwell
Hal Robson-Kanu has predicted that equal pay for international players will inspire more girls to play football for Wales.
The former Wales striker described the decision as a “monumental move” after Wales’ men’s and women’s senior players learned they will be paid the same for the first time on international duty under the terms of a new equal pay agreement.
The deal comes into place immediately and covers the period up to and including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
England’s men’s and women’s senior players have been paid the same match fee for representing their country since January 2020, while the Republic of Ireland agreed a similar deal in August 2021.
The introduction of equal pay for its male and female senior players found support from Robson-Kanu, part of the Wales squad which reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016.
Robson-Kanu, whose ‘Cruyff Turn’ goal against Belgium in the quarter-final of that tournament has entered Welsh football folklore, tweeted: “Amazing to see Wales living by their unwavering mantra of #TogetherStronger!
“A monumental moment that I have no doubt is inspiring many young girls around the country right now. Very proud.”
BREAKING: Wales FA reach an agreement with the women’s and men’s national teams over equal pay 💰pic.twitter.com/Y7bOW7onUx
— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) January 18, 2023
World champions the United States, Spain and Norway are among nations who have introduced equal pay for male and female players for representing their country.
But Scotland’s female internationals launched legal action against the Scottish Football Association last month over equal pay and treatment claims.
The players want a contract stipulating equal pay and treatment compared to their male counterparts on issues such as training facilities, hotels, travel, kit plus medical and nutritional resources.
It is understood that the Irish FA is progressing towards an equal pay deal for Northern Ireland players.
A joint statement released by Wales men’s and women’s teams said: “Together Stronger has been the mantra across the Cymru national teams for us all, both on and off the pitch as we look to put Wales on the world stage.
“As part of the FAW’s strive towards equality, we are now proud to announce that together, our men’s and women’s teams have agreed to an equal pay structure for future international matches.
“We hope that this will allow future generations of boys and girls to see that there is equality across Welsh international football, which is important for society as a whole.
Equal pay announced for Wales’ men and women footballers https://t.co/yQSf6BBgaP
— janette evans (@janfootball) January 18, 2023
“With this agreement in place, we will now look ahead to the Euro 2024 and 2025 qualifying campaigns, as we aim to see further success across both our senior teams in the near future.”
FAW chief executive Noel Mooney said: “The FAW is a modern, progressive movement that seeks to improve each day.
“This is another step towards becoming one of the world’s great sports organisations and we thank both the men’s and women’s squads for their brilliant co-operation in getting this agreed.”
Wales manager Gemma Grainger said: “I am really happy about the equal pay, it is about equality.
“Together Stronger has been the mantra across the Cymru national teams for us all, both on and off the pitch as we look to put Wales on the world stage,” Wales’ men’s and women’s teams said in a joint statement.
“As part of the FAW’s strive towards equality, we are now proud to announce that together, our men’s and women’s teams have agreed to an equal pay structure for future international matches.
“We hope that this will allow future generations of boys and girls to see that there is equality across Welsh international football, which is important for society as a whole.”
