‘This is bigger than players’ bonuses’, says Millie Bright after Lionesses reach performance-related pay deal with FA

MILLIE BRIGHT insists England reaching an agreement with the FA on performance bonuses is about more than pay.

The Lionesses skipper hailed Scotland for settling their pay equity battle before the sides’ Women’s Nations League duel on Friday.  

ReutersMillie Bright says players feel confident about about the bonus pay structure they now have in place[/caption]

GettyBright confirmed the Lionesses had reached an agreement with the FA after resuming talks after the World Cup[/caption]

At the World Cup England aces were dismayed a deal had not been reached on their push for a performance bonus as well as Fifa prize money. 

Under Fifa’s new pay model each player in the squad received around £159,000 ($195,000) for reaching the contest’s final where they were beaten by Spain. 

And they shared a collective statement flagging “concerns relating to bonus and commercial structure”.  

Talks that were paused during the Lionesses’ tournament run were resumed ahead of their Women’s Nations League fixtures.

And earlier today Bright revealed there had been a breakthrough in discussions. 

The England skipper said: “We’ve come to an agreement but it’s bigger than just the bonuses.

“For us, it’s about being world leaders on and off the pitch.

“The women’s game is evolving very quickly so conversations like this need to happen to make sure in all areas we are at the top of our game.

“The conversation was extremely positive.

“As players we feel really confident moving forward about the structure that we now have in place.”

Players’ bonus talks with the FA have been aided by the Professional Footballers Association (PFA).

While both bodies were tight-lipped on figures, reports claim a collective amount of £800,000, to be shared between the squad, has been agreed.

When asked to elaborate on what England’s talks around the performance-related pay encompassed, Bright added: “A variety of things.

“I think it’s the whole package that comes with the women’s game.

“It is more than just finances, it’s everything to do with the next generation.

“We are extremely lucky and privileged that we have amazing facilities, we already set the tone in many areas.”

England’s breakthrough comes a week on from Scotland resolving their legal case over equal pay and improved conditions including training facilities and travel and medical resources.

Their fight for pay equity was spearheaded by team captain

Of their efforts Bright added: “I think one thing with the women’s game is although we’re opponents on game day, we all work together on changes that could be beneficial to somebody else.

ReutersScotland players settled their legal case with the SFA for equal pay and improved working conditions[/caption]

“It’s always about growing the game and we have to keep evolving.

“We have to keep moving with where the game is at and changes that need to be made.

“So it’s a really proud and positive movement for the girls.”