Canada women’s team on strike over pay equity issues, says Christine Sinclair

Christine Sinclair (second left) has told Canadian media she ‘cannot represent’ Canada Soccer until the dispute is resolved. Photograph: Kevin Manning/Action Plus/Rex/Shutterstock

The Canadian women’s football team captain, Christine Sinclair, has said that the team is on strike over pay equity issues and budget cuts.

In a joint statement published by the Canadian Soccer Players’ Association (CSPA) on Friday, national team players said they are “outraged and deeply concerned” by Canada Soccer’s reported funding cuts, adding: “The time is now, we are taking job action.”