Canada's women's soccer team strikes interim equal-pay deal

Players for Canada's women's soccer team struck a temporary agreement with Canada Soccer on Friday ensuring equal pay with the men's national team for 2023.

The women said in a statement they'll receive prize money from the ongoing Women's World Cup but that the deal only covers the calendar year. They also said they had to make concessions to work "within the constraints created by Canada Soccer's financial situation."

Interim general secretary Jason deVos said in June the federation has discussed bankruptcy as a way to deal with the holes in its balance sheet.

News of the agreement comes as Canada prepares to face Women's World Cup co-host Australia in the final round of the group stage Monday. Canada will advance to the knockout round with a win or draw in the Group B finale.

The women's and men's teams remain in talks with Canada Soccer over a long-term deal that treats and pays both equally.

"We are deeply disappointed to find ourselves without a more complete agreement at this crucial stage in our calendar," the women's team added.

The players threatened to go on strike in February, claiming Canada Soccer cut their training schedule and funding ahead of the Women's World Cup.