“It Certainly Is Not Fair,”: USWNT Star Megan Rapinoe Once Slammed FIFA for Maintaining a Huge Gap Between Men’s and Women’s World Cup Prize Money

Megan Rapinoe is one of those who are never afraid to speak their mind. This midfielder has always been at the forefront to speak about social issues like gender equality. But, her statements are not without a cost. From being branded a traitor or less of a US citizen to being trolled, naysayers have come forth with a variety of means. Yet, she remains undaunted. 

Megan Rapinoe slammed FIFA for inequality

Rapinoe is one of the most accomplished players in USWNT and has been felicitated for her contributions to the sport, even winning Ballon D’Or Féminin in 2019. During the 2018 soccer WorldCup, the men’s category had a winning prize of $400 million. but, the women were entitled to $30 Million.

This stark difference in prize amount made Rapinoe call out FIFA in an interview. The promise from FIFA to double the amount at the next World Cup did not convince Megan. She said,  “I think so much of what we have to shoulder all the time is heavy.” and stated how “It certainly is not fair.”

This was not the only significant entity against whom Megan spoke that year. The sporting world went into a frenzy after Megan declared she was not going to visit the White House even if the team won the cup. 

READ MORE: “I Am Extremely American”: Megan Rapinoe, Who Refused to Stand for National Anthem Once, Shut Up Questions About Her Patriotism

She stuck to her statement, stating it was for the cause of equality.  

Rapinoe’s activism has fetched mixed reactions

Megan has also used other platforms to point out towards these inequalities. She even testified in Congress for the cause in 2022. It seems like, even in her team, this straightforward activism isn’t sitting well. She was called out for this “in-the-face activism” by Carli Lloyd, who found her whole agenda ‘distracting’. It took the light away from their actual performance in the sport according to Carli. 

With support from fiance Sue Bird and parents Jim and Denise, Rapinoe seems to be unafraid. Her ardent fans stay by her side too. All in all, the Megan magic stays strong.

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