This article was originally published on August 2nd, 2019
Here is this week's dose of “5-Point Friday”. A weekly round-up of the sports news and stories that I find most interesting and enjoyable.
Women's soccer news that's interesting me -
The USWNT hit back at the USSF accusing it of using a "ruse" by saying they earn more than the men's team. In an open letter, USSF president Carlos Cordeiro said he had commissioned an "extensive analysis" of US Soccer's "financials" over the last 10 years, which stated:
Women's national team-contracted players have a guaranteed base salary of $100,000, while the men have no guaranteed salary and only get paid for training camps, games, and bonuses.
US Soccer also pays WNT-contracted players playing in the National Women's Soccer League a base salary of $67,500-$72,500, while men playing in the MLS receive no pay from US soccer.
WNT-contracted players receive guaranteed benefits, for example health, dental and vision insurance, retirement plan, maternity leave, injury protection, childcare assistance.
Men's national team players get larger bonuses but are guaranteed nothing and receive no benefits.
In response, team sponsor Procter & Gamble announced that it will be donating to the players $529,000. P&G urged the USSF “to be on the right side of history.”
New arena I am excited for -
Few soccer stadiums hold as much history within their walls as Everton’s Goodison Park. However, the club announced that it is now embarking on a project which will see the storied old ground replaced as the team move to a new facility at Bramley-Moore Dock on Liverpool’s waterfront.
Athletics battle that looks to be coming to an end -
The IAAF, has said "biology has to trump gender identity" after welcoming the decision by Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to permit restrictions in testosterone levels of female runners. Caster Semenya (@caster800m) twice appealed against the new IAAF rule that prevents her from running in the 800m without medication. Semenya said she will now not defend her 800m World title this year.
Scottish soccer I'm following -
Rangers will not be allowed to wear Hummel uniforms next year after a judge ruling 'killed' the deal. An injunction was imposed on the Glasgow side preventing them from selling or wearing Hummel for season 2020/21. Rangers have also been ordered to pay Sports Direct almost £450,000 in legal fees.
African soccer news that I am following -
The decision to order a replay of the African Champions League final was thrown out by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday, who told the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to refer the case to its proper disciplinary structures for a decision. The Swiss-based court’s decision leaves the final in limbo after the original fixture was abandoned and the match awarded to Esperance after opponents Wydad Casablanca left the pitch following a disputed decision after the VAR stopped working.
Have a wonderful weekend, all!
Jonathan