Football Ferns set to receive equal rights as All Whites in world first agreement

Katie Bowen in action for the Football Ferns against the united States earlier this year. Photo / Photosport.

Timing is, indeed, everything.

At the beginning of the biggest week in football in this country for four years, the New Zealand Professional Footballers Association (NZPFA) publicly announced on Monday their goal of negotiating a new single collective agreement which would provide equal conditions across the sexes in international football.

If negotiated, it is being touted as the first agreement of its kind for a football body in the world.

"This is a major moment for football in New Zealand" said former Football Fern Sarah Gregorius. "It is a world first - and an opportunity for New Zealand once again to lead the way in securing equal rights for women."

There have already been some major wins in recent years, with the Ferns receiving the same daily allowance ($115) while in camp as their male counterparts (in stark contrast to the rugby situation), as well as being entitled to 40 per cent of any Fifa prizemoney, just like the All Whites.

The latest negotiation centres around equalising travel benefits.

The All Whites are currently entitled to business class flights for any travel that exceeds five hours, when they are representing their country, though the players made a significant financial contribution to that cost during the current window.

The Ferns don't have a similar arrangement.

All Whites' striker Chris Wood offered his support.

"My sister Chelsey also played for New Zealand," said Wood in a statement. "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% behind that."

"I think it's important to understand what we are asking for" added NZPFA Chairman Harry Ngata. "We are not asking New Zealand Football to extend beyond its means or to suddenly be responsible for playing all our players a living wage: it's about dignity, and respect.

"Our Football Ferns should be given the same opportunities to succeed as our men - and they should be recognised for their contributions to football in our country. That means supporting their development, being respectful of their need to work and study, and inviting them to banner events like the football dinners and major games."

NZF CEO Andy Martin was unavailable to comment on the negotiations on Tuesday, with an NZF spokeman saying that "such employment related negotiations are always a private matter."​