Gareth Southgate said equal pay in men’s and women’s football “is important”, but highlighted the economic complexities around the subject ahead of England’s European Championship qualifier against Malta .
This comes after the The United States women’s national team announced that new head coach Emma Hayes will be the highest-paid coach in women’s soccer.
In 2022, the federation has committed to ensuring equal pay for players on its senior men’s and women’s national teams through collective agreements. As part of this, Hayes’ salary will be aligned with that of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. Berhalter’s annual salary, as reported in USSF financial documents for 2022, was $1.6 million (£1.3 million), and he is expected to receive a raise of salary after finalizing a new contract earlier this year.
Southgate has previously expressed his support for equal pay between men and women in football. He did, however, recognize the factors that play a role in determining fair compensation.
He said: “Equal pay or the same roles are important. There are a lot of economic factors behind this. For example, if you are the CEO of a company and you are a man and a woman, it should be exactly the same. In football, the criteria depend on the team’s revenue. A League One manager wouldn’t get the same thing as a Premier League manager. A Premier League footballer would get more than a Championship footballer.
“I think with the U.S. women’s team, they have enormous economic power and success over a long period of time. It’s likely a closer alignment between what the women’s and men’s teams generate. Whether this is translatable to clubs or other national federations is an interesting debate to have.
Southgate urges Gordon to be patient about international future
Southgate, meanwhile, has advised Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon to be patient regarding his future in England.
Reports suggested that Scotland had targeted Gordon to play for their national team.
Having progressed through the ranks of all England age groups, the 22-year-old is on the verge of a senior call-up. However, for this week’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has secured a place.
Gordon is eligible to play for Scotland, who are actively looking to include English-born talent like Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, as well as Gordon’s Newcastle teammates Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson and Tino Livramento.
Southgate, however, urged Gordon to wait for his international future.
He said: “He’s a good player, he was very good with our under-21s last year. He is very close (to receiving a summons). I love his attitude, I love the way he works so hard for the team.
“Of course, I’m sure he was hoping to get a call right now, but there are good players who play well in his position on the field.”
GO FURTHER
Emma Hayes deserves a salary equal to Gregg Berhalter – this is why
(Photo: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
