A tour by the Australian women’s team to the US this month was officially canceled a day after a players’ union said stalled contract talks meant the team would not make the trip to play two matches against the World Cup champions.
The US Soccer Federation said in a statement that fixtures scheduled for Thursday next week and Sept. 20 in Detroit and Birmingham, Alabama, would go ahead with different opposition.
“Despite Australia no longer being the opponent, that does not mean the matches are canceled,” the statement said.
The federation said it had already begun sounding out different federations as soon as it became clear the Australia matches might be in jeopardy.
“We have been in communication with other federations about their women’s national team serving as a replacement for both games,” the statement said.
US Soccer said Haiti would replace Australia in the matches in Detroit on Thursday and Birmingham, Alabama, on Sept. 20. Each match has sold more than 31,000 tickets.
The tour by Australia’s women — known as the “Matildas” — fell victim to a pay dispute between Football Federation Australia (FFA) and the country’s players union.
FFA chief executive David Gallop told a news conference in Sydney on Thursday that the union made “extraordinary demands.”
The Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), a union representing male and female players, on Wednesday announced the tour would be called off after players refused to go to practice in Sydney. The national federation confirmed the cancelation after hours of speculation that strike-breakers were being sought to undertake the tour.
Their collective bargaining agreement expired in July, and the Matildas have not been paid in two months. The union is seeking an increase in wages, international match payments, improvements in accommodations and other benefits.
The Matildas, who lost to Japan in the Women’s World Cup quarter-finals, want an increase in their A$21,000 (US$14,865) per year contract to A$40,000. The FFA has refused to increase their salary, which is based over a six-month playing period, to the higher figure, saying the increase was not sustainable.
Matildas coach Alen Stajcic reportedly tried contacting players to see if they would still be willing to play despite the union ruling. News Corp Australia reported that six players, including captain Lisa De Vanna, broke ranks with the union.
“I just want to play for my country. It’s all I want to do,” De Vanna was quoted as saying. “If my coach calls me and asks me to play, I will always make myself available.”
PFA chief executive Adam Vivian said he informed the FFA of the strike action after a team meeting.
“The players are currently uncontracted, and are under no obligation to participate in any Matildas-related activities,” Vivian said. “The players feel they have been left with no option other than to take this course of action.”
Matildas forward Ashleigh Sykes told Australian Broadcasting Corp radio that the contract dispute was forcing players to choose between continuing their international careers or quitting to find other work.
“Things are getting quite tight ... to try and get through for the last two months and continuing into the future,” she said. “Who knows what’s going to happen?”
“For me, it’s coming down to almost a choice now. Do I make myself available for Matildas duties, or do I work?” Sykes added.
The Australian team’s pay issues received support from US players Hope Solo and Carli Lloyd.
“Only #respect for @TheMatildas. Will miss competing against their great team, but proud of their fight for what’s right! #equality,” Solo said on Twitter, while midfielder Lloyd said: “@TheMatildas are courageously fighting for what is right. #priclessrolemodels.”
The men’s national team boycotted community events before a World Cup qualifier last week.
The PFA is also negotiating for more pay for domestic A-League players, and an increase in each of the 10 team’s salary caps.
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