Women’s soccer falls short in key areas such as medical support and pay, according to a survey of players involved in this year’s Women’s World Cup. The survey, conducted by players’ union FIFPRO, found that 60% of respondents lacked mental health support, while one in three earned less than $30,000 a year from soccer. The survey highlighted concerns relating to the conditions players were expected to operate under, with 10% not undergoing a medical examination before the tournament and 22% not having an electrocardiogram.
FIFPRO said it surveyed 260 players from 26 of the 32 national teams in the tournament. It highlighted that while FIFPRO guidelines recommend an off-season break of four weeks with a re-training period of six weeks, 86% of players returned to their clubs less than two weeks after the tournament. Additionally, one in five players needed a second job to supplement their income.
Despite these findings, FIFA has provided financial support to associations to specifically earmark prize money for all players. However, FIFPRO stated that results of the survey “show many players still lack adequate financial compensation.” The results underscore the need for further player-centric improvements in international women’s football in key areas including the match calendar, medical support, and compensation.