FAW agree to equal pay deal for senior teams

Both of the Wales men’s and women's senior sides will be paid the same for playing for Wales after the Football Association of Wales [FAW] agreed a deal with the men’s side which will come into effect immediately.

The Wales men's senior team have agreed to a 25% pay cut to enable a 25% rise for the women's team that will mean parity for representing Wales.

"I am really happy about the equal pay... it is about equality," Wales boss Gemma Grainger explained.

"Together Stronger has been the mantra across the Cymru national teams for us all, both on and off the pitch as we look to put Wales on the world stage," Wales' men's and women's teams said in a joint statement.

"As part of the FAW's strive towards equality, we are now proud to announce that together, our men's and women's teams have agreed to an equal pay structure for future international matches.

"We hope that this will allow future generations of boys and girls to see that there is equality across Welsh international football, which is important for society as a whole."

The new equal pay agreement runs until 2027.

Wales' women have never been paid the same as Wales' men for playing international football, but Grainger, who recently signed a new deal to remain national team boss until 2027, says she feels paying her side equally will send a powerful message.

"We want our players to embody Together Stronger, the collaboration with the men's team is something we want to continue," she told BBC Sport Wales.

"Hopefully that collaboration will continue to grow.

"Equality and making sure what we have here is equal is so important to us. The women's game is growing and will continue to grow."