On Wednesday, a foundation was set up by African football president and billionaire businessperson Patrice Motsepe to resolve a pay dispute between South Africa's Women's World Cup players and their national association. This initiative ensures that South Africa will participate in the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The dispute led to the entire team sitting out a game on Sunday, which was embarrassing for the South African football association and a country bidding to host the next Women's World Cup in 2027.
Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African football association, admitted that there is still a significant global disparity in pay between male and female players, despite FIFA's efforts.
The issue was resolved when the Motsepe Foundation donated around £251,000 to be shared among the 23 players attending the Cup. This announcement was made at a news conference in Johannesburg, signaling an end to the standoff and allowing the players to travel in two groups on Wednesday and Thursday to New Zealand for the Women's World Cup.
The South African players are also expected to receive an additional appearance fee of approximately £23,000 each from FIFA. However, money was not the only problem that led the players to challenge their national association.
According to the South African players' union, there were no proper contracts or written agreements specifying their payment for representing the country at the World Cup. The players were also frustrated that their sendoff game took place at a small stadium outside Johannesburg, which is deemed unfit for men's league games in South Africa but was considered suitable for the women's African champions. This dissatisfaction led to a boycott during Sunday's game against Botswana.
This is not the first time South Africa's treatment of its women players has faced scrutiny. Last year, former national captain Portia Modise revealed that she was sometimes paid only £15 per game to represent the national team.