Women's football team reaches landmark equality deal
The women's national football team has secured equal financial conditions in a landmark agreement with the Slovenian Football Association. This puts Slovenia in the company of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and the US, the professional footballers' trade union SPINS said in announcing the deal on 15 December.
The deal comes after women's team members had been complaining for a long time about discriminatory differences in comparison to the men's team.
They were most dissatisfied with training conditions, inappropriate equipment, poor meals, second-rate match venues, the coaching team and transportation, which they believed was unworthy of football at the top level.
In addition to addressing these issues, the agreement establishes equal financial conditions for both teams. Yet, it does not resolve all issues. The women's team still objects to not having adequate media support, playing at "less significant" stadiums and an attitude that lacks respect.
"We are convinced that equal conditions will be beneficial for the development of this team, as well as those that are to follow. Equal treatment of men and women should go without saying in today's society," player Lara Prašnikar said.
The union added it was waiting with interest for an analysis of female representation at the Football Association by the Equal Opportunities Ombudsman.