Scotland Women's National Team 'proud' to reach agreement with SFA after withdrawing legal action
The national team had been in dispute
The Scotland Women's National Team have withdrawn legal action against the Scottish Football Association over equal pay and treatment claims after securing what skipper Rachel Corsie described as "parity".
Corsie had been due to be the lead claimant in an employment tribunal case. The players were demanding a contract stipulating equal pay and treatment compared to their male counterparts on issues such as training facilities, hotels, travel, kit plus medical and nutritional resources.
In a statement in December, Corsie claimed the action, which was being funded by PFA Scotland, was brought after "years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases abuse".
In a new statement issued by the SFA, Corsie said: "I am glad that we have been able to find a resolution, avoiding the need for a tribunal.
"The legal route is one that nobody wanted to undertake but positive discussions have taken place during the intervening period with mutual respect, understanding and cooperation.
"As captain, I believe we have a responsibility to push for the highest standards on and off the field.
"The Scottish FA has made significant inroads in this regard and together we are on an evolutionary journey.
"We are proud to have parity, not just for the current generation but more significantly for future generations of players."
SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell welcomed the development.
"The growth of women's football is one of the Scottish FA's highest strategic priorities," he said.
"We have reiterated our commitment to equality - specifically with regard to commercial appearances, prize money distribution and resources.
"We must now look forward with a shared goal: to return to major tournaments; working together to bring success on the field that will in turn encourage broadcasters and rights holders to do more to bridge the value gap that remains the biggest obstacle on the journey to equality within the women's game globally."
Manager Pedro Martinez Losa said: "I have to say it hasn't affected the professionalism and application of the players since day one.
"You have seen the unity and the performance of the team.
"I am pleased that now we can move forward and focus on the next objectives and challenges as a unit together."
The announcement came just before Martinez Losa named his squad for Scotland's first UEFA Women's Nations League fixtures, against England and Belgium.
Aston Villa defender Corsie is back from injury along with Angel City's Claire Emslie and AC Milan's Christy Grimshaw.
But Scotland have suffered a major blow with the loss of Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert through injury.
Celtic attacker Amy Gallacher has earned a first call-up.
Scotland open their campaign at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland on September 22 before hosting Belgium at Hampden four days later.
--
Hear all the latest news from across the North of Scotland on MFR. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.