Women's football team told to be 'grateful' over earnings ahead of World Cup
The Women's World Cup commences on Thursday
PA
Female fighter Sammy-Jo Luxton has criticised the Australia Women's football team due to their stance on equal pay.
With the Women's World Cup kicking off on Thursday, the Matildas released a video calling out FIFA over the sizeable pay gap between the men and women's competitons.
In 2015, the Australia team went on strike for better pay and conditions - even giving up the chance to play USA, who were world champions at the time.
They're now making noise again, with the team unhappy at the difference in prize money.
Australia Women's team want equal pay as World Cup looms
PA
But Luxton, taking to Twitter, has slammed their stance and believes male footballers deserve to earn more.
"They're in a male dominated sport; men will watch the men as the skill level is higher, therefore generating the revenue to pay the men," she tweeted.
"It's the exact same for fighting; growing up I used to question why a boy's life was worth more than mine, but men sell more PPV to male audience."
In a series of follow-up tweets, she added: "It's basic science/anatomy that boys are better athletes.
"The skill level is higher so the game is more competitive/exciting that's why men's football is bigger than women's because people would rather pay to watch a men's game.
"Just simple math.
"They just need to push women's football in a more positive light rather than demanding same pay and they'll watch the bag get bigger as more people tune in."
Luxton even went as far to say male players were UNDERPAID.
"If you do it by percentages the men are probably being underpaid for the money they generate," she continued.
"So for the women to be paid so much they should be grateful."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is aware of Australia's view on the matter.
But he insisted the situation was out of his hands.
"We have issued recommendations, but we are an association of associations," Infantino said.
"So whatever payments we do will be through the associations, and then the associations will make the relevant payments to their own players.
"But we are in touch with all the associations, and there are all different situations in different parts of the world - taxation, residence and so on - which require special agreements that are agreements for some associations with the players from before, of course.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has batted away questions ahead of Women's World Cup
PA
"So, I think we have been taking some groundbreaking decisions, and it's far from the end of the story."
Infantino also proceeded to bat away questions and say he only wanted to focus on the 'positive' things surrounding the tournament.
"Well, you know, today is the eve of the opening game of the Women's World Cup, and for me it's a moment to focus on the positive, focus on the happiness, focus on the joy," he said.
"Until the 20th of August you will hear from me only positive things about everything and everyone.
"If somebody's still not happy about something, well, I'm so sorry. I am happy with everything and I love everyone.
"As of the 21st of August, we focus on some other issues around the world and all the problems that are coming up."
You may like
