US Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro Apologizes to USWNT for Language in Filing

U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro is backing away from disparaging and sexist comments the federation made in a legal filing against the United States Women's National Team in its quest for equal pay.   

After approving of language that called the reigning World Cup champions inferior to their male counterparts and noted an "indisputable science" on the matter, Cordiero has released a statement apologizing for the tactic:

"On behalf of U.S. Soccer, I sincerely apologize for the offense and pain caused by language in this week's court filing, which did not reflect the values of our Federation or our tremendous admiration of our Women's National Team. Our WNT players are incredibly talented and work tirelessly, as they have demonstrated time and again from their Olympic Gold medals to their World Cup titles.

"Even as we continue to defend the Federation in court, we are making immediate changes. I have asked the firm of Latham & Watkins to join and guide our legal strategy going forward. I have made it clear to our legal team that even as we debate facts and figures in the course of this case, we must do so with the utmost respect not only for our Women's National Team players but for all female athletes around the world. As we do, we will continue to work to resolve this suit in the best interest of everyone involved."

The apology may have been a few hours too late for the USWNT. 

Ahead of clinching the 2020 SheBelieves Cup with a 3-1 victory over Japan, the Americans took the field with their warm-ups inside out, effectively covering up the U.S. Soccer logos. 

"We've sort of felt that those are some of the undercurrent feelings that they've had for a long time," Megan Rapinoe said on the televised broadcast after Wednesday's win. "But to see that as the argument, as sort of blatant misogyny and sexism, as the argument against us, is really disappointing.

"But I just want to say: It's all false. To every girl out there, to every boy out there who watches this team, who wants to be on this team or just wants to live their dream out, you are not lesser just because you're a girl. You are not better just because you're a boy. We are all created equal and should all have the equal opportunity to go out and pursue our dreams. And for us, that means playing on the soccer field."

U.S. Soccer directly tied its claims in the filing to its argument that paying women less did not violate the Equal Pay Act or Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

That was more than enough to catch the attention of the USWNT and supporters around the country who rallied to defend women in sports.

The suit is expected to head to trial on May 5.