Marvin OnumonuLower pay and shorter careers mean women in football, and across the UK workforce, end up with smaller pensions, according to Standard Life.
Male football players in the English Premier League (EPL) earn over £3m a year on average, while female players earn around £47,000, with some getting as little as £20,000.
Women were 20% more likely than men to cut pension contributions during financial pressure.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimated the gender pension gap in the UK is between 34.2% and 40.5%, which is more than double the gender pay gap.
Many women, including those who work full-time, face less security in retirement.
Short careers make things worse for female footballers.
Fewer years earning, and lower pay, means less time to save and less growth over time.
Most leave the game with little financial security.
Gail Izat, managing director for workplace and retail intermediary at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “This game simply isn’t fair. The gender pay gap remains an issue across many industries, and the extreme example in football makes this inequality impossible to ignore.
“Female players train hard, compete fiercely, and inspire people across the world – and their pay should reflect that.
“We need more action to close both the pay and pension gaps and ensure every worker, whether on the pitch or in an office, has the chance to build a secure future.”
