U.S. women’s national soccer team coach Jill Ellis has thrown her support behind her players decision to file a suit against U.S. Soccer for gender discrimination.
The lawsuit alleges that the women’s team were paid less than their male counterparts even though they perform better despite inferior playing and training conditions.
Speaking to reporters, Ellis said: “I’m definitely in support,”
“(I) recognize moments where we have to continue to push the envelope,” Ellis said. “It’s not hard to navigate because I’m in that world and my players know I support them.”
She also revealed that her players informed her before announcing the lawsuit but said they did not tell her before filing the case.
The U.S Women’s team has won three World Cups and four Olympic gold medals.
The men’s team have yet to taste any international success, but are paid more than the women’s team.
It is believed that the women’s team are trying to use the upcoming Women’s World Cup starting in June, as leverage.