Arsenal Women’s head coach Jonas Eidevall has called on the Football Association to focus its investment lower down the football pyramid if it is to strive for equal pay.
It comes after the U.S. Women’s national team announced that new head coach, Emma Hayes, would be highest-paid coach in women’s football. As part of the collective bargaining agreements committed to by U.S. Soccer in 2022, Hayes’ salary will be aligned with that of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter
Gareth Southgate said on Thursday that equal pay in men’s and women’s football “is important” but pointed out the economic complexities around the topic. Eidevall took a similar stance to the England manager and called for investment to not just be dedicated to the top level of the game, highlighting the importance of the recent increase in Women’s FA Cup prize money.
“Gareth Southgate struck the balance very well with what we all feel is right in principle, but what might be the problem from a market perspective,” Eidevall said. “I don’t think what is necessary when we start talking about equal pay is that the gap needs to be addressed at the very top of the game.
“We still have a situation — and the PFA has done a really good job highlighting it — of what the reality is for players in the…
