Scotland women’s legal battle with SFA to begin next month

SCOTLAND women’s legal battle against the SFA will step up a notch next month, with an initial hearing due to take place in Glasgow.

Mail Sport understands the public hearing will centre around workplace rights and will be held between September 13-15.

It follows an announcement of legal action last December, which set out the players’ reasons for going to a tribunal.

Speaking when the legal action was announced, lead claimant Rachel Corsie said: ‘After years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases, abuse, we have a historic opportunity to advance equal pay and to promote equality for women and girls in football.

‘This campaign is about parity, and we’ll be seeking to engage with the Scottish Football Association, the fans and everyone in Scotland’s football community to deliver this long overdue change.’

The players are seeking equal treatment on issues such as training facilities, hotels, travel, kit, and medical and nutritional resources.

Speaking to Mail Sport when the legal action was announced, Corsie (below) said there had been moments in the last few years ‘within the environment, where there has been experiences that players have felt have been abusive and it has contributed to the overall culture.’

She added that there had been no physical abuse, but that in the ‘internal environment at times, it hadn’t been a healthy environment.’

In a statement released at the time, the SFA confirmed they had offered to increase the total player pool for the women’s national team in September, but had failed to secure an agreement. ‘The Scottish FA shares the fundamental view of our women’s national team that equality should be at the heart of the development of the game at all levels. It is why we have been in ongoing dialogue with the women’s national team, their lawyers, advisors, and union representatives to continue to support the exponential growth of the women’s game and inspire future generations.’