Press Releases

BOTHELL – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) signed on to a letter to President Sunil Gulati of the U.S. Soccer Federation calling for gender equity in the world of soccer.

“For the sake of honest, transparent and equitable international competition, FIFA must be reformed. The United States should be the leader in reform efforts and women’s soccer can be the key,” the letter stated. “We urge the U.S. Soccer Federation to strongly advocate for the gender equity reforms and to play a leadership role in pressing FIFA to raise the status of women in international soccer.”

The letter was led by Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14), and signed by DelBene and 34 other members. Lawmakers said the U.S. Soccer Federation could play a major role in rooting out corruption at FIFA and help begin a new chapter of gender equity by supporting girl’s leagues and tournaments across the globe.

Currently, only three of FIFA’s 26 executive committee members are female, and only two of its 209 member association presidents are women.

The full text of the letter follows:

Dear President Gulati:

On October 27th President Obama recognized the U.S. Women’s national soccer team for winning the 2015 Women’s World Cup.  As we approach the upcoming FIFA Reform Committee meeting, we are reminded of President Obama’s remarks that day about the U.S. Women’s National Team:  "They've inspired millions of girls to dream bigger, and by the way, inspired millions of boys to look at girls differently, which is just as important… Playing like a girl means being the best.  That's what American women do. That's what American girls do. That's why we celebrate this team. They've done it with class. They've done it with the right way."

The same should hold true for all female athletes around the world. As strong advocates for gender equity in sports and education, we strongly urge you and the U.S. Soccer Federation to support and advocate for the FIFA reform plan submitted by Moya Dodd, Chair, of the FIFA Task Force for Women’s Football.  As you know it calls for increased investments in girls’ and women’s soccer across the globe and requires gender balance in the governance of FIFA.

For the sake of honest, transparent and equitable international competition, FIFA must be reformed.  The United States should be the leader in reform efforts and women’s soccer can be the key.  It’s a sad fact that only three of FIFA's 26 executive committee members are female, and one of them cannot even vote. Only two of its 209 member association presidents are women. This means women make up less than 1 percent of FIFA's voting population.  U.S. Soccer and private-sector sponsors must press to root out the corruption at FIFA and begin a new chapter of gender equity that grows the women’s game and support girl’s leagues and tournaments across the globe.

FIFA must elevate female soccer teams and female leaders to provide opportunities for girls and women. In turn, we are confident that greater gender diversity can help address many of FIFA’s ills.  The reforms will begin to correct long-standing discrimination, lift the status of women, and improve diplomacy in a world that needs it.  The best example of the importance of such reforms is the change provided by Title IX in the United States.  Since passage of Title IX, female participation in sports has flourished.  This did not happen by itself, but took a law and consistent enforcement over decades. Due to the corruption in FIFA and the few minor investments made in women’s international soccer to date, FIFA also needs an enforceable, overriding commitment to effectively grow the women’s game and transform the organization into one that is modern and equitable.

We urge the U.S. Soccer Federation to strongly advocate for the gender equity reforms and to play a leadership role in pressing FIFA to raise the status of women in international soccer. Once again, we strongly support the FIFA reform plan submitted by Moya Dodd, Chair, of the FIFA Task Force for Women’s Football and are pleased to see the groundswell of support for the plan.  U.S. Soccer is well-positioned to lead the way and champion Title IX-like reforms at the international level, invest in the women’s competition and boost pay equity for female players. Thank you.

Sincerely,

# # #