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Women's Players Drop Legal Battle With FIFA, CSA Over World Cup Turf

Players who had begun legal action over the "use of artificial surfaces at this year's Women's World Cup have dropped their case," according to Simon Evans of REUTERS. A group of elite women's players had sued FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association, arguing that artificial turf surfaces for the tournament, which takes place in Canada from June 6-July 5, "were unsafe and that it was discriminatory for women to play on surfaces." Lawyer Hampton Dellinger accused FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association of "delaying tactics and making threats of suspension against the players." Dellinger said in a statement, "In the face of such irresponsible actions by FIFA and CSA, the players have elected to end their legal fight. The players are doing what FIFA and CSA have proven incapable of: putting the sport of soccer first" (REUTERS, 1/21). In N.Y., Andrew Das reported women's players "grudgingly" accepted that the event will be played "entirely on artificial turf." U.S. striker Abby Wambach said, "Our legal action has ended. But I am hopeful that the players' willingness to contest the unequal playing fields -- and the tremendous public support we received during the effort -- marks the start of even greater activism to ensure fair treatment when it comes to women's sports." This month, Wambach led "one final bid for compromise" when she and Brazilian player Marta met with a FIFA delegation at FIFA's annual awards ceremony in Zurich (N.Y. TIMES, 1/21). ESPN reported Dellinger said that the women's protest "did accomplish some of its goals, including showing that female athletes will not passively accept gender discrimination." Dellinger: "The players' united, international effort to protest discrimination has had a positive impact. The deplorable artificial surface at BC Place, the site of the final, will be replaced. Goal-line technology will be used for the first time in a Women's World Cup and we know that the 2019 World Cup will be held on grass" (ESPN, 1/21).

VALCKE ISSUES STATEMENT: FIFA Secretary General Jérôme Valcke said, "Over the last months we -- myself included -- have personally engaged with players and technical staff from the qualified teams to address their concerns and doubts. What was very clear from the meetings with the players was their desire and enthusiasm about making this the greatest FIFA Women's World Cup ever, and to ensure that they have the best possible conditions to perform well. This is a goal they share with FIFA and we are totally committed to providing the best possible surface to enable everyone to enjoy a great footballing spectacle. We -- the participating teams and the organisers -- can now all focus on the preparation and promotion of the biggest event in women's football this June in Canada" (FIFA).

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