The 2023 Women’s World Cup seems to be fast approaching, but The Canadian national team is on strike against his federation. Given the lack of support and the budget cuts for the project, the footballers decided not to go to the next concentrations.

These include World Cup warm-up matches in Australia and New Zealand; However, players and fellow men’s team revealed Canadian leaders continue to fail to comply with negotiations and agreements to promote all their teams equally.

The protest at the SheBelieves Cup with the United States

Despite Canada’s numbers saying they would not play if needed, the team showed up for the game against the United States; however, they showed up with t-shirts with the caption ‘That’s enough’ and they embraced with their rivals in the center of the field.

In addition, the 22 players put a purple ribbon on their wrists to demonstrate in favor of equality. But now yeah, let’s go with the context of it all.

The first position of Canada’s National Women’s Team

“Canada’s National Women’s Team is outraged and concerned by the news of the cuts to national team programs for 2023. Our preparation for the World Cup and our success are compromised by Canada Soccer’s inability to support its national teams.

“Despite our historic achievements for more than a decade, they tell us that there is not enough money to adequately fund our program and our youth teams. National teams cannot be the only ones fighting for success. It was enough a long time ago. We do not expect or deserve less than to be treated equally“.

Men’s National Team Support

Just as the footballers assured that their teammates had their backs, they immediately responded with their statement. They not only showed their support, but also demanded an immediate response from the Federation of Canada.

“Now we know that due to financial and other mismanagement, the federation says it does not have the funds to supply the players of the women’s team, the working conditions and the matches they need to prepare for the 2023 World Cup. This is outrageous and demands an immediate and urgent response“.

Olympic personalities and champions announce the strike

Christine Sinclairall-time goalscorer for Canada, and janine beckie gave an interview to TSN to let it be known that they will not be attending future concentrations. Although these include one of the best-known tournaments in women’s football, football players refer to training sessions and any call-ups.

“From this moment we will no longer train, we will not attend concentrations. We will not be participating in any planned activities with the team in the near future.. If we get to next Thursday (February 16) afternoon and this is unresolved, we will not be taking to the field against the United States in the SheBelieves CupBeckie explained.

Canada Soccer responded

Despite what has been said by his two senior teams, the Federation of Canada has assured to support them as well. The agency released a statement on their Twitter account, explaining that they have reached agreements and will replicate the program. ‘Friends and family’ for the players to go to the 2023 World Cup with the support of their loved ones.

“Canada Soccer has a proven track record of supporting women’s soccer. Pay equity for our National Women’s Team is at the heart of our ongoing negotiations. This is a real change, but there is still a lot to do. We want this resolved for our two national teams and for soccer in Canada.“.

Negotiations to achieve equal pay

This is not the first time mismanagement has been raised within Canada Soccer. In mid-2022, the two national teams began an important conversation to achieve equal pay; however, the factor that delayed the negotiations was precisely the federation.

The Canadian men’s team even decided not to show up to play a friendly match against Panama, the reason? The managers did not show up for the dialogue. Of course, they didn’t design proposals to negotiate either. Moreover, at that time, it was necessary budget for player friends and family to attend Qatar 2022which now resumes for the 2023 World Cup… or so they say.

Conflicts with managers are therefore nothing new, let alone disinterest, and the big question is how Canada will fare at the next World Cup.