Heimir Hallgrimsson on Gender Pay Equality in Football: A Manager's Perspective

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson recently addressed the contentious issue of gender pay equality in football, stating that it is "not for me to decide." His comments come in the wake of allegations by former women's head coach Eileen Gleeson, who is pursuing a discrimination case against the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

The Allegations

Gleeson, who took over from Vera Pauw in August 2023, claims that she and her backroom team were mistreated based on gender. She also alleges that the senior women's team did not receive the same level of support in terms of travel, security, medical care, and performance resources as the men's team. Gleeson was not offered a contract extension after failing to qualify for Euro 2025.

Hallgrimsson's Stance

When questioned about gender equality between the men's and women's teams, Hallgrimsson emphasized that such decisions depend on the job and are not within his purview. "That's not for me to decide," he stated during a press conference ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Hungary. "I can only talk from my point of view. I was offered a job and it was my decision if I took it or refused it."

Hallgrimsson also highlighted that wage disparities are not unique to gender. "It's the same as players," he explained. "The highest-paid players in the world don't play more games or do more training, but are valued higher. The valuation in this game is for someone else to decide."

Broader Implications

While Hallgrimsson does not believe it is part of his role to engage in debates about pay equality, his comments shed light on the broader issues of valuation and compensation in football. The ongoing case brought by Gleeson underscores the need for a more equitable approach to supporting both men's and women's teams.