If the trade union representing New Zealand's professional football players has it's way, New Zealand Football could become the first in the world to give equal rights and privileges to men and women competing in our national teams.
The New Zealand Professional Footballers' Association has entered negotiations to secure equal terms and conditions between the All Whites and Football Ferns - an agreement that would be the first of its kind in the world, former Football Fern Sarah Gregorius said.
"This is a major moment for football in New Zealand," she said.
"It is a world first - and an opportunity for New Zealand once again to lead the way in securing equal rights for women."
The NZPFA's agreement will look to further the rights of Football Ferns, including contact with NZ Football about planned developments of the women's game in New Zealand.
It will also include equal travel benefits for Football Ferns when they're required to travel to play for their country.
All Whites striker and Premier League star Chris Wood has jumped behind the campaign, saying that the male players are committed to the goals the negotiations are looking to achieve in the negotiation process.
"My sister, Chelsey, also played for New Zealand," he said.
"She went to two Under 20 World Cups, and is one of the best players of her generation. The road for her to success was so much harder because she was a woman - playing in a part of the game which isn't as highly regarded, or supported, as it should be.
"What we are trying to do is just a small step. But it might just cause a ripple that people sit up and notice - and all the lads are 100 per cent behind that."
New Zealand Football is also currently one of five bidders seeking the hosting rights to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
"Some people may struggle to see why this is such a big deal and they are the people who most need to have their eyes opened about the reality of the challenges women face in sport," Gregorius said.
"Securing equal rights in this sport will mean a lot right now to the small number of women who will benefit directly - but it could also lead to change elsewhere; in other sports, and, actually, a change to wider attitudes in our society."
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