By Victor Kanayo
There is uncertainty over participation of the Canada’s national women’s soccer team at the upcoming 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup following protest by players over pay dispute.
The Canadian side ranked 7th globally are scheduled to face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the opening Group B duel on July 21 in Melbourne.
But they want a pay dispute settled before leaving for the World Cup which begins on July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
Speaking on their behalf, international goalscoring record holder, Christine Sinclair, told the Canadian Press that the team wants the long simmering dispute settled before they get on the plane for a pre-tournament camp on June 28.
She said, “We’re not at a point where we’re not getting on a plane, but time’s coming where we want it done so as players we’re not having to deal with it while we’re trying to prepare.
“But us as a women’s team have flat out told the CSA (Canada Soccer Association) that we need a deal in place for at least the World Cup and this year before we head down there.
“I think it will happen. Will it be a long-term deal? No. But something will be done before the World Cup starts.”
During a competition known as SheBelieves Cup in the United States in February this year, the Canadian women sat out a practice and had threatened to boycott the four-team tournament.
The Olympic champions grouped with co-hosts Australia, Nigeria and Ireland at the World Cup, played under protest but vowed future boycotts if their demands over pay equity were not met.
