Gareth Southgate has said that equal pay in men’s and women’s football “is important” but pointed out the economic complexities around the topic ahead of England’s European Championship qualifier against Malta.
It comes after the U.S. Women’s national team announced that new head coach, Emma Hayes, would be highest-paid coach in women’s football.
In 2022, the federation committed to equal pay for both its men’s and women’s senior national team players through collective bargaining agreements. As part of this, Hayes’ salary will be aligned with that of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. Berhalter’s annual pay, as indicated in the USSF’s 2022 financial filings, stood at $1.6 million (£1.3m), and it is anticipated that he received a salary increase after finalising a new contract earlier this year.
Southgate has previously expressed his support of equal pay between men and women in football. He has, however, acknowledged the factors that play a role in determining fair compensation.
He said: “Equal pay or same roles is important. There’s lots of economics behind that. For example if you’re a CEO of a company and you’re male and a female it should be exactly the same. In football the criteria depends on what the income is of the team. A League One manager wouldn’t get the same 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 huge economic power and success over a long time. It’s probably a closer alignment between what the female and men’s teams generate. Whether that’s translatable for clubs or other national federations is an interesting debate to have.”
Southgate urges Gordon to be patient over international future
Southgate, meanwhile, has advised Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon to be patient regarding his England future.
Reports had suggested that Scotland have targeted Gordon to play for their national team.
However, The Athletic reported on Thursday that he is not currently considering switching allegiance to represent Scotland at international level.
Having progressed through the ranks of all England age-groups, the 22-year-old is on the verge of a senior side call-up. However, for this week’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer secured a spot.
Gordon is eligible to play for Scotland, who have been actively seeking to include English-born talents like Manchester United’s Scott McTominay, as well as Gordon’s Newcastle teammates Harvey Barnes, Elliot Anderson, and Tino Livramento.
Southgate, however, has urged Gordon to bide time on his international future.
He said: “He’s a good player, he was very good with our under-21s last year. He’s very close (to getting a call-up). I like his attitude, I like the way he works so hard for the team.
“Of course, I’m sure he was hoping to get a call at this moment but there are good players playing well in his position on the field.”
GO DEEPER
Emma Hayes deserves equal pay with Gregg Berhalter – this is why
(Photo: Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
