“Did I Just Lose My Job?” – Soccer Superstar Was Denied Her Salary During Pregnancy by $453 Million Worth Owner in a Shocking Revelation

Talking about pregnancy is still a taboo topic in sports. Women’s soccer has just started getting the recognition that it deserves. However, people still tend to stutter after they find out that someone from the women’s soccer team just got pregnant. Nevertheless, it’s the soccer club’s duty and responsibility to take care of that player who is in need. Women soccer players are now also encouraged to return back to soccer after giving birth.

Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir has a similar story. However, the Iceland soccer star surprisingly faced a lot of issues at her club while she was pregnant.

Lyon denied soccer star Sara her salary when she was pregnant!

During her first year in Lyon itself, Sara was living her dream. At that time, Jean-Michel Aulas was the President of the club. The Iceland soccer star managed to win the French league title and score the winning goal in the Champions League final in her very first season. However, matters started to go sideways after Sara got pregnant in March 2021.

Sara narrated her story during an exclusive interview with The Players Tribune.

At first, Sara was really worried about what her teammates would say. Lyon’s team doctor and physios decided to keep it a secret. However, they could only do it for the first five weeks. Because as the pregnancy progressed, Sara’s health started to take a toll on her. She then knew it was time to let the cat out of the bag. To her surprise, everyone at Lyon was sweet enough and granted Sarah permission to go home.

Read More: ‘I Can’t Get Pregnant Right Now’- USA Soccer Star Alex Morgan Explains Why Balancing Motherhood and Her Career Has Been Difficult for Her

However, Sara did not receive her salary for the first two months after returning home. After calling and writing multiple letters, Lyon’s response shocked everyone. They told Sara that they didn’t owe her any sum of money other than her social security deposit. Sara then threatened to go to FIFA and report the issue. To which the club replied, “If Sara goes to FIFA with this, she has no future in Lyon at all”. Sarah was stunned after receiving the response. She told herself, “Wait, did I just lose my job??”

Sara Bjorn wins successful claim against Lyon

However, Sara did not give up. She continued to train and returned back to the club in January 2022. Sarah eventually raised the issue to FIFPRO after the club did not cooperate with her. Now, a landmark ruling has ordered the club to pay her €82,094.82, This is a massive news for Sara.

In May, FIFPRO ordered Lyon to pay all the money that they owed Sara while she was pregnant. Sara then announced that she would leave Lyon at the end of the season. Sarah now plays soccer in Italy for Juventus FC and captains the Iceland women’s national team.

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