Home WebMail Friday, November 1, 2024, 04:39 PM | Calgary | 1.3°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
Posted: 2019-07-09T19:26:30Z | Updated: 2019-07-10T18:52:36Z

WASHINGTON Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced a bill Tuesday that would prevent any federal funding for the 2026 World Cup until the U.S. Soccer Federation agrees to provide equal pay to the U.S. womens and mens national teams.

The bill would cut off any and all federal money that would otherwise be spent when the United States co-hosts the mens World Cup in 2026. That includes funds that go to host cities, participating local and state organizations, U.S. Soccer, the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football, and the international soccer governing body FIFA.

The clear unequitable pay between the U.S. men and womens soccer teams is unacceptable and Im glad the U.S. Womens Soccer Team latest victory is causing public outcry, Manchin said in a statement. Im encouraging everyone to call their Senator and Representatives to help us get this bill passed and finally pay the equitable pay they deserve.

Heres a copy of his bill:

A spokesperson for the U.S. Soccer Federation did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment.

According to Manchins office, federal money can be and will likely be used in a variety of ways for the mens international soccer tournament. The State Department, for example, must issue visa waivers and other special privileges to visiting FIFA officials. Host cities need money to provide infrastructure and security for the games. Sporting facilities seeking assistance for upgrades may look to federal grants.