Lionesses reach agreement with FA over performance-related bonuses | Football

The Lionesses started negotiations after they became frustrated about the removal of FA bonuses prior to the World Cup due to the newly introduced payments from FIFA.

It was reported that the FA deemed FIFA’s new payments to be a suitable alternative but that was not a view shared by the players who put talks on hold prior to the World Cup but released a joint statement saying they were ‘disappointed that a resolution has still not been achieved.’

However, a deal has now been agreed between both parties after negotiations resumed this week, with a sum of £800,000 set to be distributed to the players.

“We have come to an agreement but I think it’s bigger than just the bonus,’ captain Millie Bright said, speaking ahead of England’s inaugural Nations League game against Scotland.

‘For us it’s about being world leaders on and off the pitch, and as we know the women’s game is evolving very quickly and conversations like this need to happen in order to make sure in all areas we’re at the top of our game.

‘The conversation was extremely positive and as players we feel really confident moving forward about the structure we now have in place.’

Alongside the bonus from the FA, the members of England’s World Cup squad will also receive £150,000 each from FIFA having reached the final of the Women’s World Cup.

England’s manager Sarina Wiegman hailed the agreement, labelling it ‘good for the women’s game.’

‘The conversations had been [progressing] really well, but the World Cup was ahead of us,’ she added. ‘So they needed to stop those conversations and had to start up after the World Cup. And that’s what happened.

‘Yes, they didn’t come to an agreement then but I think the connections were made and there’s communication all the time. Now this part is solved and moving forward, it looks really good.

‘Of course, it makes me very happy because it’s good for the players, good for the women’s game to move forward and to take the next step.’

England play Scotland on Friday at the Stadium of Light before facing the Netherlands next week.

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