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Abby Wambach, Others Drop Lawsuit over 2015 Women’s World Cup Turf

By Chris Blakely

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It appears Abby Wambach, along with a number of other players, has decided to drop the lawsuit against FIFA. The main complaint in the lawsuit was gender discrimination in regards to the artificial turf that will be used during the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada. The players’ complaint was filed last fall with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, which was known as Wambach et al v. Canadian Soccer Association. The lawsuit named FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association as the defendants.

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    • The World Cup is being played in six different Canadian cities this coming June and will feature 24 teams from across the world. This will be the largest field ever for the Women’s World Cup with the final scheduled for July 5th in Vancouver at BC Place.

    As I mentioned earlier, the main complaint was about artificial turf being used this coming World Cup. The players have claimed that the surface is less forgiving than natural grass and impacts play because of concerns over injury. They also claim that balls travel and bounce differently on turf.

    Wambach had this to say:

    "“I am hopeful that the players’ willingness to contest the unequal playing fields — and the tremendous public support we received during the effort — marks the start of even greater activism to ensure fair treatment when it comes to women’s sports.”"

    I can agree with the ball traveling and bouncing differently. I am a fan of a team that plays on turf in the Seattle Sounders. You can tell that the ball reacts differently. I do feel that the women involved in this lawsuit have a very solid complaint.

    Why do any of the stadiums that host the United States Men’s National Team qualifying games roll in grass if they normally use turf? They do it because it is better for the players and the flow of the game. Why not give the women the same opportunity?

    The group’s lawyer Hampton Dellinger has this to say:

    "“The players’ united, international effort to protest discrimination has had a positive impact. The deplorable artificial surface at BC Place, the site of the final, will be replaced. Goal-line technology will be used for the first time in a Women’s World Cup and we know that the 2019 World Cup will be held on grass.”"

    Dellinger said that “sexism, greed, and stubbornness endemic to FIFA and CSA” complicated the case.

    "“Those that enabled FIFA and CSA to engage in discrimination and retaliation through their actions or silent acquiescence, particularly national soccer federations, should also be held to account. The on-field skill, courage, and determination the players will display will redeem the tournament from the ineptitude and ingratitude of its organizers.”"

    Oct 28, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Overall view of BC Place before a women’s soccer friendly between Canada and Japan. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

    Some of the players involved in the lawsuit claimed that Mexican international Teresa Noyola and French internationals Camille Abily and Elise Bussaglia had been threatened. Noyola was informed that if she did not withdraw her name from the lawsuit, that she would not be called up to her respective national team. All three players withdrew their names in December.

    FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke issued a statement:

    "“What was very clear from the meetings with the players was their desire and enthusiasm about making this the greatest FIFA Women’s World Cup ever, and to ensure that they have the best possible conditions to perform well. This is a goal they share with FIFA and we are totally committed to providing the best possible surface to enable everyone to enjoy a great footballing spectacle.”"

    If FIFA and the Canadian Soccer Association truly cared, why not use grass for the six venues and let the matter be resolved? Are they worried if they “cave” to the women’s demands that they will be setting a precedent? Honestly I think it’s a load of bull that they won’t put grass down. The event goes on for roughly five weeks. Is it that big of a deal?

    Tom Hanks even got involved in the matter tweeting out, “Opinion: Women’s World Cup is the best soccer of the year. Hey FIFA, they deserve real grass. Put in sod. Hanx.”

    In the end, the players got a little bit of what they wanted. It would have been much better if all the sites have grass but I guess one is better than none.

    All quotes courtesy of ESPNW

    WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? IS THIS A WIN FOR THE WOMEN OR IS FIFA AND THE CSA STILL “SLAPPING” THEM IN THE FACE?

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