Ian Wright claims it is ‘really quite EMBARRASSING’ that the FA have refused to pay the Lionesses a bonus if they win the World Cup… with talks over the rewards on hold until after the final
- Ian Wright says it is ’embarrassing’ the FA are refusing to pay Lionesses bonuses
- Talks are set to take place following England’s World Cup final against Spain
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Ian Wright has slammed the Football association after their refusal to pay £100,000 win bonuses to the England women’s side if they win the World Cup.
The bonuses row was ignited before the tournament with stars asking for a fifth of what the England men’s team would have won, if they had been victorious in Qatar last year.
Mail Sport understands that the FA refused those requests and talks about the bonuses will resume after England take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final this Sunday.
Many in the footballing world have spoken out against the situation with former England star Ellen White writing in her column for Mail Sport that ‘England’s Women are right not to let the FA sweep their pay row under the carpet.’
And as Sarina Wiegman’s team are set to play in the final, former Arsenal star, Wright, has hit out at why the issue has not been resolved by football’s governing body yet.
He was speaking alongside Emma Hayes for ITV Sport ahead of the final with, the Chelsea women’s manager saying: ‘Wiegman is staying, she’s got a world class side there’s no reason for her to go anywhere, I hope she gets paid what she deserves and I hope the players get the bonuses they deserve.’
Wright added, in reference to the situation with the bonuses: ‘It’s really quite embarrassing.’
The Lionesses reached the World Cup final for the first time in history after defeating Australia 3-1 in front of a partisan crowd earlier in the week.
Should Wiegman’s side triumph at Stadium Australia today they will be crowned champions at the tournament for the first time since the men’s side triumphed at the 1966 World Cup final.
It comes as the Lionesses triumphed at the European Championships just 13 months ago, where Chloe Kelly’s 110th minute goal saw England defeat Germany 2-1 and be victorious at the tournament.
Questions have been asked recently over Wiegman’s future with the side and whether she will continue on as the England manager, but ITV pundits Gill Scott, Wright and Hayes all lauded the Dutch manager for the excellent work she has done, guiding this England side to such success.
‘She’s incredible, she just strips it all back,’ Scott said speaking on Wiegman. ‘She cares about you as a person, she knows the game inside out, but for me it’s the fact she can sit down with you, talk about your family, but when you step over that front line you have to perform for her.’
Wright added: ‘The manages we had previously didn’t have the experience that she’s got. She’s been to the world cup final she’s taken us to the step wed not been able to go to before.
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‘She’s an elite coach, we’ve got the right coach at the right time and team that is ready to go.’
Hayes, who herself is a very successful manager having guided Chelsea to six Women’s Super League titles, said that she makes everyone’s roles in the side very clear.
‘She values the group,’ the Chelsea women’s boss said. ‘And I think everyone’s roles are clear. Everyone knows where they stand and everyone can step in and perform.’
Wright concurred: ‘Even the players who aren’t playing still have that belief.’
‘She’s so important,’ Scott added, ‘I really hope she stays.’
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