A group of elite footballers is suing Fifa for sexual discrimination.
The female players have objected to plans to use artificial turf at the 2015 World Cup, while men’s World Cup games continue to be played on real grass.
The athletes from 12 different countries, who are also suing the Canadian Soccer Association, say the plans are sexist and “belittle” the sport.
The lawyer representing the players, Hampton Dellinger, said: “Getting an equal playing field at the World Cup is a fight female players should not have to wage but one from which they do not shrink. In the end we trust that fairness and equality will prevail over sexism and stubbornness.”
The women also argue that they are being exposed to abrasions and serious injuries on the synthetic grass that are much less likely in the men’s World Cup matches on much softer, spongier turf.
Here are some tweets from top female footballers which highlight the problem:
Turf is so unbelievable healthy. Specially the newest generation! Can’t wait to play the WWC 2015. #ironic pic.twitter.com/APZiH0nP6j
— Nadine Angerer (@NAngerer) January 25, 2014
I think something happened in my sock during last nights game , #turfburnpic.twitter.com/HEms02ymW7
— Sam Kerr (@samkerr1) May 12, 2013
This is why soccer should be played on grass! pic.twitter.com/fsNGi27oRY
— Sydney Leroux (@sydneyleroux) April 15, 2013
Are the plans sexist? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook
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