The recent triumph of the women’s football team drew attention to ongoing inequalities faced by elite female athletes. For instance, champions earned a prize of 110 million dollars, a figure that, while substantial, is distributed differently than in the previous year in Qatar where the total prize pool reached 440 million. The disparity was more pronounced when compared with male counterparts. The report notes that discrimination extends beyond football to other sports where media coverage, sponsorship deals, and labor contracts are less robust, creating clear economic and social gaps for women in sport, as highlighted by the Ministry of Equality in a study released this week.
The study, titled ‘Inequalities of Highly Competitive Athletes in Spain and Measures for Effective Equality,’ argues that patriarchal structures persist in Spanish women’s sports, contributing to higher gender inequality than in other nations. It offers a qualitative analysis built on a synthesis of 150 pages and 1,260 minutes of testimony from 16 elite athletes, 5 representatives of sports organizations, 3 journalists, and 2 industry experts.
Discrimination grows in sports with less media presence and influence
The report explains that the perception of women’s sports as “not interesting and not profitable” leads the private sector to invest less in athletes, national teams, and women’s programs. This leaves top competitors exposed to insecurity, lower salaries, and persistent sexist attitudes and practices.
anti-pregnancy provisions
In many regions, job security is precarious for female athletes, with many lacking formal contracts and receiving part-time stipends instead of steady wages. This situation reduces Social Security contributions and forces athletes to juggle other work with the demanding schedule of elite sport, often prompting early retirement due to financial constraints and social pressures related to motherhood or gender roles.
The report notes that the absence of formal contracts means there is little legal protection to ensure continuity after childbirth. It also points out that pregnancy-related provisions, once common in football, could reappear in other sports where salaries are not regulated by collective agreements.
Beyond unequal pay and rights, female athletes tend to receive smaller allowances for housing and living expenses, fewer financial rewards, and the experience of lower-quality training facilities and support programs. The report contrasts these gaps with the higher prize earnings of World Cup champions, underscoring the wider economic imbalance between men and women in sport. Acknowledging these findings, Ángela Rodríguez, Secretary of State for Equality, urged a political shift and a broader change in perspective to address the inequities.
sexist violence and bias
The study also highlights experiences of sexist and stereotypical treatment that go beyond economics. Reports describe pressures from coaches, therapists, and other staff who engage in harmful language or behaviors. The researchers emphasize that even when athletic performance is intact, such attitudes persist and harm athletes.
Another contributor, María Martín Rodríguez, draws attention to daily hostile behaviors, noting how small, unwanted glances accumulate into constant harassment. The incident involving a high-profile medal ceremony has been cited as a notable example and was investigated by the National Court. The study also points to ignorance about female physiology and its impact on perceived performance, which continues to hinder female athletes.
Policy recommendations
Taking these challenges into account, the study proposes ten concrete steps. These include targeted education in sports management, organizational reforms, and professional training for staff. They also call for enhanced media visibility for women’s sports, practical support for female athletes with dependent children, and tax incentives linked to sponsorship of women’s sports or the organization of professional women’s leagues.
The government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, indicated it would consider these recommendations and listen to athletes, with a view to initiating meaningful change.