Women’s World Cup: Super Falcons foes, Canada in major pay dispute

By Saheed Afolabi

Canada is in a major pay dispute with the Canada Soccer ahead of their FIFA Women’s World Cup opener against Nigeria in Melbourne on Friday.

Veteran Canada Women midfielder, Sophie Schmidt says the team isn’t distracted with the payment row and they are more focused with the World Cup as their lawyers are handling the matter.

She however commended the Canada Soccer for providing a conducive environment for the team in the World Cup.

“Absolutely not. We’ve compartmentalised that. We’re totally focused on the tournament. Janine [Beckie and] and our lawyers are dealing with that away from here,” Schmidt told media.

“They’ve done an amazing job of keeping this a stress-free environment in that regard. We’ll see what unfolds in the next couple of days.”

The 35 year old Schmidt had announced earlier this year that this would be her last World Cup as she would be putting an end to her illustrious international career.

The Canadians are the Olympic Champions and will open their World Cup campaign against Nigeria in Brisbane on Friday July 21.