Australia's men's and women's national football teams, the Socceroos and Matildas, are "far from being equal when it comes to money," according to Val Migliaccio of THE ADVERTISER. They are two national football teams that have "done the nation proud" at FIFA World Cups. But one side is "closer to prince status and the other paupers." While the Socceroos are in the "midst of a pay dispute with Football Federation Australia there is hardly a whimper from the Matildas' camp despite earning less than Australia's average wage" of A$1,128 ($873) per week. The Australian players union last week "began a grievance process of the disputed moneys with Professional Footballers Australia for the Socceroos." It is believed the the Socceroos are owed more than A$100,000 ($77,500). The Socceroos will earn about A$6,500 ($5,034) each for their World Cup qualifier in Kyrgyzstan. Each squad player earned more than A$50,000 ($38,723) for winning this year's AFC Asian Cup. The Matildas will "reap" a A$500 ($387) match payment for the World Cup clash against Sweden on Wednesday, according to the current PFA collective bargaining agreement, which "expires on July 31." If the Matildas "make the knockout stage of the World Cup the pay scale will increase" to A$600 ($465) for a round of 16 clash to a A$1,500 ($1,161) match payment if the side makes the final. The Matildas are also granted a A$150 ($116) daily allowance with FFA "agreeing to have a minimum of 20 contracted players annually." Those players are paid a minimum of A$21,000 ($16,264) (THE ADVERTISER, 6/16).
