Republic of Ireland boss Carla Ward has called for the idea of equal pay for international managers to be given proper consideration.
The women’s team boss spoke out as former manager Eileen Gleeson pursues a landmark case for parity against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).
Gleeson highlighted differences between the treatment and pay of men’s and women’s teams.
The FAI as per the BBC said it would prepare a ‘strong legal defence’ in response to the allegations.
What did Carla Ward say about equal pay in women’s football?
Speaking at a press conference ahead of their UEFA Nations League playoff against Belgium, Ireland boss Carla Ward expressed support for the idea of pay equality while acknowledging the complexities involved.
“More so with international football, I think,” she said when asked if pay levels should be balanced. “Club football is a completely different kettle of fish. Players are earning €500,000 (£434,000) per week nowadays. It’s a completely different game. They’re selling out stadiums and that market is different. With international football, you could argue that it’s something which should be considered.”
Ward, who previously managed Birmingham City and Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League, is contracted through Ireland’s campaign to reach the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. She made clear she is not seeking a pay rise herself.
“I couldn’t tell you what the men’s team manager is on – and I don’t think he’d tell me if I asked him,” she said. “Right now, my concentration has been to try and iron out what we need to iron out and try to get focused at this camp.”
Ward has been in constant communication with FAI chief executive David Courell about improving resources for the women’s team. While she praised his openness, she admitted there is still work to be done.
She said: “There are conversations on what the realities are and where we’re at, in terms of what is being spent on what. You must bang down doors to change. I’ve been at clubs where resources aren’t quite adequate. David’s been receptive to things that I’ve gone to him with. Am I happy? Yes. Am I happy with everything? No. Things can always be better.”
Gleeson’s legal challenge
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has confirmed it will strongly defend a civil action brought by Gleeson, who now works within the organisation as head of football strategic insights and planning.
Her case outlines several inequalities between the men’s and women’s teams, including a stark gap in managerial salaries.
Heimir Hallgrímsson, manager of the men’s team, reportedly earns around €650,000 (£564,000) a year – five times what Ward reportedly receives.
Gleeson’s court documents, as per the Irish Independent, also accused the governing body of treating her and her backroom staff unfairly.
It was also alleged that the senior women’s team did not have the same travel, security and medical support.
What else has been said about pay in women’s football?
Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson, in an exclusive interview with SheKicks, said that there is a ‘pay inequity issue’ in women’s football.
She said: “Some players are probably not making enough money to live properly. They are living at home, supplementing with two or three jobs in order to play.”
“The upper echelons like Olivia Smith are well paid and the women are smart with their money. I would say the majority of them are careful and invest properly. We are lucky but we keep pushing standards.”
Meanwhile, minimum salaries have been introduced in the WSL and WSL2.
The Guardian have reported that the set minimum salary will be £40,000 as from this season
