Make FA Cup Equal Prize Money For Men And Women – UK Sports Minister

Published: 2023-02-12
Views: 261
Author: Editorial
Published in: Sports

United Kingdom Sports Minister Stuart Andrew has said making the FA Cup prize money equal for men and women will "balance the playing field,".

Mr Andrew according to BBC stated this  while speaking during a Westminster Hall debate on women's football talent pathways and player wellbeing.

Andrew noted that the prize money needed to reflect the growing popularity of the women's game.

"England men's and women's senior players have been paid the same match fee for representing their country since January 2020.

He added: "While historically women's sport has not had the profile or media coverage that the men's sport has achieved over the years, this is clearly now changing.

"Attendances and viewing figures for the women's sport are growing at an extraordinary rate and there is an opportunity, I think, to level the playing field when it comes to prize money."

Mr Andrew said "progress has begun" on equality in the game, but more needs to be done.

The winning women's club will receive $100,000, while the winning men's club will receive $2 million, according to the Football Association website.

The FA said the Women's FA Cup prize fund was up nearly tenfold this season.

An FA spokesperson said: "We have a clear plan for women's football which has generated record attendances at matches, ground-breaking new broadcast deals, increased commercial sponsorship, and unprecedented levels of investment.

"This season, the Vitality Women's FA Cup prize fund received a significant uplift to £3m per year, almost a tenfold increase on the previous season.

"We want to keep improving and growing the game, so that it will continue to develop and thrive for years to come."