This archive report was first published on 24 October 2019.
On October 22, 2019, a historic vote took place among female footballers in Spain, with 188 players from 16 clubs casting their ballots in favor of a strike over pay and working conditions.
The Association of Women's Football Clubs (ACFF) had been negotiating with the players for over a year, but failed to reach an agreement. The clubs proposed part-time salaries worth 8,000 euros a year, while the players demanded a minimum of 12,000 euros, amounting to 75% of minimum full-time contracts.
"We are footballers 24 hours a day, 100 per cent of the time," said Ainhoa Tirapu, goalkeeper for Athletic Bilbao and the Spanish national team. "We hope to reach an agreement at some point but we had to take drastic action because the time for women's football is now."
David Aganzo, president of the Association of Women's Players (AFE), echoed the players' sentiments, saying, "We want an agreement now, that is worthy and with equality. We have enjoyed talking about all the positive things in women's football, many of them on show at the World Cup, but the players also need an improvement in their working conditions, that recognise what they do. In the 21st century, women deserve respect."
With the strike vote in favor, the players are now awaiting a date to begin their action, which could potentially affect the Women's Champions League. The issue has sparked a debate about the treatment of women in football, with many calling for better working conditions and pay.
