Scotland women united & professional on way to parity - coach Pedro Martinez Losa
- Published
Scotland players celebrate a recent friendly win over Northern Ireland
Scotland players have shown unwavering commitment as they sought a solution with the Scottish FA over equal treatment, insists women's head coach Pedro Martinez Losa.
Captain Rachel Corsie said players "are proud to have parity" after she withdrew a threat of legal action.
An agreement was reached on the day a tribunal hearing was due to start.
"It hasn't affected the professionalism and application of the players since day one," said Martinez Losa.
"You have seen the unity and the performance of the team.
"I am pleased that now we can move forward and focus on the next objectives and challenges as a unit together."
The cancelled case had centred on claims of inequality compared to the men's national team, focusing on areas such as facilities, travel and pay.
"It has obviously been a challenging period," added Martinez Losa, who took on the Scotland job in July 2021.
"I know the players and I know how much they want to play for Scotland and how they were willing to progress things. I think it was a matter of solving situations and finding an agreement.
"On one side I was supporting my players and the staff and to be focused on the job I can do, but on the other side, as an employee within the SFA, you want things to be resolved.
"The players felt it was right to take legal action which I get, so we move forward as we always have. We have been united in the difficult moments and we will continue being united now looking for the success of the nation."
No details have been given on the deal struck, but SFA chief executive Ian Maxwell did say: "We have reiterated our commitment to equality, specifically with regard to commercial appearances, prize money distribution and resources."
Corsie said there have been "positive discussions with mutual respect, understanding and cooperation".
In a statement in December, the Aston Villa defender claimed the action, which was being funded by PFA Scotland, was brought after "years of iniquity, disrespect, and in some cases abuse".
In January, the Football Association of Wales agreed a deal for equal pay between their men's and women's national teams, while a dispute arose in the summer regarding performance-related bonuses for the England national team prior to the Women's World Cup.
First call up for Celtic forward Gallacher
Amy Gallacher helped Celtic win the Women's Scottish Cup last season
Martinez Losa also named his squad for the Women's Nations League double header with England and Belgium, with Amy Gallacher called up for the first time.
The Celtic attacker, 24, has scored nine goals in six SWPL matches this season.
However, influential Chelsea midfielder Erin Cuthbert is missing through injury.
"Erin is an important player for us and we look forward to having her back in the future, and for her recovery I hope it won't take too long.
"Amy is a player who has been performing well and the league has started in Scotland before other countries so we thought it was a good time to give her an opportunity and see what she's capable of doing."
Scotland meet World Cup finalists England in Sunderland on 22 September before hosting Belgium four days later.
They will also face the Netherlands in Group A1 of the inaugural competition.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Eartha Cumings (FC Rosengard), Jenna Fife (Rangers), Lee Gibson (Glasgow City)
Defenders: Kelly Clark (Celtic), Rachel Corsie (Aston Villa), Nicola Docherty (Rangers), Sophie Howard (Leicester City), Rachel McLauchlan (Rangers), Emma Mukandi (London City Lionesses)
Midfielders: Fiona Brown (FC Rosengard), Lisa Evans (West Ham), Christy Grimshaw (AC Milan), Sam Kerr (FC Bayern), Kirsty MacLean (Rangers), Jamie-Lee Napier (Bristol City), Amy Rodgers (Bristol City), Caroline Weir (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Lauren Davidson (Glasgow City), Claire Emslie (Angel City), Amy Gallacher (Celtic), Kirsty Hanson (Aston Villa), Martha Thomas (Manchester United), Emma Watson (Manchester United)