Photo by: @BarcaFem
An agreement on pay has brought an end to the strike by players in the top tier of women's football in Spain. The strike resulted in the postponement of the first round of Liga F fixtures last weekend, with the next round scheduled to commence on Friday.
Liga F, in collaboration with the player unions, has reached an accord to raise the minimum wage for players from 16,000 euros (£13,700) to 21,000 euros (£18,000) annually. This increase is set to further rise to 23,500 euros (£20,200) by the 2025-26 season.
🚨OFFICIAL: Liga F returns!
The league and the unions have finally reached an agreement on the minimum wage (€21,000) after five meetings in the last 10 days.
The strike is over, and the action resumes this Friday!
📸 @unnatinaidu_97 pic.twitter.com/1UmvWfjW5B— ata football (@atafball) September 14, 2023
In an official statement, Liga F confirmed, "Liga F and the unions have reached an agreement regarding the minimum wage that allows the strike to be called off."
Negotiations between the league and the players' representatives had been ongoing for a year, dating back to Liga F's professionalization. Initially, the league had expressed concerns that meeting the players' demands would result in financial instability.
The players had advocated for a minimum wage of 25,000 euros for the 2023-24 season, with the figure rising to 30,000 euros the following season.
Spain’s top-flight female players have ended their strike for the opening two matchdays of the Liga F season after an agreement was reached between the league and the players’ unions over a new minimum wage.
More from @Laia_Cervello https://t.co/hLQjI1fy5d— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) September 14, 2023
The unions representing the players released a joint statement stating, "The agreement regarding the minimum wage, the main cause of the strike, has been accepted by the players in an exercise of responsibility towards the fans and this sport. This step is the beginning and only part of the agreement. Now it is time to work to advance in such important points as maternity, harassment protocol, compensation list, and other aspects."
Notably, this isn't the first time that the start of the Liga F season has been disrupted. Last year, the season was delayed due to a referees' strike, initiated in pursuit of improved pay and working conditions.
Women's football in Spain has garnered attention in recent times due to controversies, including the incident where Spanish Football Federation president Luis Rubiales kissed Jenni Hermoso following their World Cup victory in August. Due to this action, Rubiales was suspended last month and announced his resignation on Sunday.
