FA Cup: Women and Men’s Teams Deserve Equal Prize Money, GMB Congress Hears

There’s plenty of money in the game – so let’s blow the final whistle on this shameful inequality congress is told

Women and men’s football teams deserve equal prize money for winning the FA Cup, GMB congress was told

The union, which represent match hospitality and security staff at several premiere league stadiums, has called on the Football Association to end the gender discrimination in footballers pay.

Women’s football teams receive less than £1,000 in the first round compared with over £22,000 for men at the same stage.

During the whole competition women’s teams get less than 5 per cent of the prize money paid to men’s teams, congress heard.

GMB’s annual congress takes place in Harrogate, Yorkshire, from 12 – 16 June. 

Penny Robinson, GMB London Regional President, said:

“Hard-fought equal pay battles have been won across every sector and it’s long overdue in football.

“This blatant sexism is outdated and pay parity for our women’s teams is overdue.

“Overall, the total prize money for the women’s FA Cup is £309,000 which is shared by 300 teams. 

“This compares with £15.9 million for the men’s FA Cup which is shared by 735 teams.

“The FA should level up the prize money available for women’s teams in the FA Cup to the level paid to the men’s teams in the same competition. 

“There’s plenty of money in the game – so let’s blow the final whistle on this shameful practise.”